Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration

How to Fix Black Teeth: Step-by-Step Guide

Tooth discoloration may indicate the presence of tooth decay or advanced dental caries. Certain foods that leave colored stains on teeth can sometimes cause black discoloration, though this is uncommon. Various foods and drinks can leave yellow or black stains on the teeth.

The white appearance of teeth is due to the enamel’s composition and light reflection properties. Over time, excess elements left in the mouth and teeth after consuming food and drinks can turn teeth yellow or gray. If teeth show signs of darkening or discoloration, it is important to seek dental care promptly.

 

Understanding the Causes of Blackened Teeth

Tooth discoloration can be classified into two main categories:

Extrinsic discoloration

The external causes of tooth discoloration are usually related to the outer layers of the teeth.

These can include the following:

• Damage to tooth enamel
• Occurrence of spots
• The mineralization of dental plaque into tartar

Some of the reasons that are directly effective in changing the color of teeth are:

• The habit of drinking beverages such as coffee
• Taking certain medications, such as liquid iron supplements that may cause staining or brown discoloration
• Using certain mouthwashes that contain staining agents
• Use and abuse of tobacco
• Tooth fillings with silver amalgam

Intrinsic discoloration

When damaged, a tooth may appear black on the inside. The most common internal cause of blackened teeth is the formation of cavities.

In this situation, the damage starts inside and continues to the tooth’s surface. The tooth’s black color may first appear in one or two spots. If not treated, it will eventually cover the entire tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of Black Teeth

It is not normal for a tooth to change color quickly, from white to yellow or black, within a short period. Before the teeth turn black, a person will usually notice some other symptoms.

• Sometimes, a brown or gray spot may be seen on the tooth. Over time, brown spots can turn black.
• In other cases, teeth may develop small black spots on their surface. These tiny spots often appear near the gum line and are more common in children.

Scaling can remove tartar, but deep discoloration caused by decay usually requires restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canals.

For more information on effective methods to whiten your teeth, check out our article on Best Teeth Whitening Method.

Preventing Blackening of Teeth: Tips and Tricks

People can often prevent teeth from becoming black by maintaining regular and proper dental hygiene. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends:

• Professional dental cleaning at regular intervals
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss between your teeth at least once a day
• Regular dental check-ups
• Avoid consuming too much sugary foods
• Use of ADA-approved whitening products

Why Professional Dental Care Is Necessary for Black Tooth Stains

Blackened teeth can usually not be treated at home. However, several home whitening kits may help with slight discoloration. If you’re interested in home solutions, read our article on Teeth Whitening At Home for practical tips. Black teeth typically require professional treatment by dental centers.

The dentist examines them to determine the leading cause of tooth discoloration, then considers appropriate treatment to restore their natural color. But in general, the treatment of this condition of the teeth depends on the cause of the teeth discoloration:

Tartar causes yellow or black teeth

Only dental professionals can remove the tartar that causes this discoloration. This issue is usually resolved through professional dental scaling, often using ultrasonic instruments to remove the tartar easily.

What is the treatment of tooth decay?

In cases of decay, it is unlikely that a dentist can restore the teeth with a simple cleaning. Instead, the dentist must remove the decayed part of the tooth.

If the decay is in one part of the tooth, the dentist may be able to remove the damaged part and fill the hole with a unique material. However, if the decay has reached the second layer of the tooth, the dentist will remove all the decay and place a new crown on top of the tooth.

7 Ways To Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Dental treatment processes are relatively expensive because both require high expertise, and special and relatively costly tools and materials are used to treat dental problems. Observing oral and dental hygiene is the best way to avoid paying such costs. And from the occurrence of diseases and problems with the mouth and teeth.

Here we introduce seven highly effective ways to strengthen tooth enamel. If you use these methods, you will have fewer problems with your oral health in the future:

1- Be extremely sensitive in choosing the type of toothpaste

Toothpastes are formulated for different dental needs, and not all are suitable for enamel protection. Therefore, you should be careful and sensitive when selecting toothpaste.

Always try to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is an inherent enhancer that strengthens tooth enamel.

Toothpastes containing minerals like fluoride and calcium can help reduce enamel erosion and strengthen teeth:

• Soluble Element Calcium
• Phosphate
• Fluoride Ion
• Hydroxyapatite

All of the above are considered minerals. Enamel is made up of precisely such minerals. When enamel is depleted, it means that it lacks minerals. Using toothpaste containing high minerals helps to strengthen tooth enamel.

2- Chew Sugarless Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum in moderation can stimulate saliva production and help neutralize acids in the mouth. It is helpful throughout the chewing process because it increases saliva secretion.

If you chew sugar-free gum right after consuming healthy foods, saliva will be released. Some enzymes in saliva help absorb calcium and phosphate.

Saliva secretion neutralizes the acid produced by the fermentation of sugars in the mouth, keeping the mouth’s pH in balance. Multiple studies show that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes helps prevent tooth decay.

3- Avoid Sugar And Starch

Some foods are harmful to the health of teeth and tooth enamel. Some of these foods contain many nutrients and benefit our overall health. But their nature is such that they damage the teeth. In general, the following items are harmful to the health of the teeth, and it is better to consume them less to strengthen the tooth enamel:

Foods and Snacks:

• Rigid
• Sweet And Rich In Sugar Or Starch
• Sticky
• Processed

4- Eat more foods that are suitable for strengthening enamel

Eat foods containing minerals if you do nothing else to enhance your tooth enamel. The body tries its best to absorb minerals. When mineral reserves are high, the body automatically regenerates the depleted enamel.

All dairy products have high amounts of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which play an effective role in the production and repair of tooth enamel.

5- Maintain Proper Brushing Habits

Brushing your teeth after eating foods and drinks that stain your teeth should always be considered. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with quality toothpaste.

Before, they said that you should change your toothbrush every 6 months. But now it is recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

Every time you pick up a toothbrush, you should brush your teeth correctly for 2 minutes and clean them in all directions. In addition to the teeth, washing and brushing the tongue should not be neglected because the tongue is where many bacteria accumulate. When bacteria hits the tooth enamel, it transfers bacteria to its surface.

Using dental floss helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease, which indirectly protects tooth enamel. If you don’t, the enamel will wear down.

6- If You Have a Digestive Problem, Please Treat it.

No one can deny the connection between the digestive system, digestive function, and oral health. Unfortunately, few people pay attention to this connection. If you have heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, you must treat or manage it.

Acid reflux can bring stomach acid into the mouth, creating an acidic environment that weakens tooth enamel. An acidic environment is also the worst environment for tooth enamel. Therefore, you must treat or manage digestive problems to strengthen tooth enamel.

7- Treat Grinding Teeth

Grinding teeth is when a person involuntarily clenches or grinds his teeth without realizing it. Teeth grinding is also called bruxism. This situation happens mainly during the night.

In this situation, the teeth put much pressure on each other, and the tooth enamel wears out over time. The tooth’s length also decreases. To prevent enamel erosion and preserve tooth structure, bruxism should be managed appropriately.

Conclusion

A blackened tooth can be treated in many cases, but prompt action is key. To whiten and restore the natural color of these teeth, you must visit a specialist dentist. At Dr. Ghayoumi’s clinic, we offer professional solutions to restore your natural smile and maintain lasting oral health.

Observing hygiene tips and taking care of oral and dental hygiene is one of the ways to prevent discoloration of your teeth. For natural solutions, consider exploring our article on Herbal Remedies for Teeth Whitening.