If you randomly notice a black tooth while brushing your teeth, this may be an indication of a cavity. A cavity is a hole on the tooth that develops due to tooth decay. The best thing to do is to visit your dentist as soon as possible for urgent treatment.
But, a black tooth does not always mean tooth decay. This may also occur due to staining from the food that you eat or from a dental injury. Black teeth may also be a side effect of certain medications.
When it comes to treatment of a black tooth, finding out its cause is the first thing your dentist will do. Proper diagnosis will help create a suitable treatment plan to resolve the black tooth and get your beautiful and healthy smile back.
Why Do Teeth Turn Black?
Teeth can turn black due to different circumstances, such as:
Black tooth may indicate tooth decay
The most common cause of a black tooth is decay. Tooth decay begins when the bacteria in the mouth create acids that break down the tooth enamel. The first sign of a decay is a white spot lesion. If left to progress, it will eventually rot the tooth and turn it black.
Discolouration may be due to the food and drinks you consume
Some foods and drinks may contribute to black teeth. If you are a frequent coffee or tea drinker or if you like to eat curry, your teeth may discolour. But, this will only happen over an extended period.
Smoking contributes to black teeth
Tobacco contains nicotine that may stain the tooth surface. The more you smoke, the darker the teeth will appear.
A black tooth may be a dental emergency
Dental trauma may also cause a black tooth. This occurs if you accidentally bite on something too hard, bump your tooth on a hard surface, or when playing contact sports and you suffer a blow on the tooth.
Certain medications may turn the teeth black
Some antibiotics may cause black teeth due to intrinsic discolouration. This type of discolouration occurs from the inside of the tooth.
Symptoms of a Black Tooth
Not all black teeth come with signs and symptoms. But, if you are dealing with a black tooth due to decay, some symptoms you may experience are:
- Toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen gums
In some severe cases, if the infection from the rotten tooth has become widespread, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and swelling of the face and jaw may occur.+
Treatment Options for a Black Tooth
The treatment for a black tooth depends on the cause. This is why proper diagnosis is important as it helps your dentist create an effective treatment plan.
Tooth decay is treated with a filling
Small- to medium-sized cavities are treated with a dental filling. All decay is removed and a tooth-coloured composite filling is placed in the cavity to prevent further spread of infection and restore the appearance of the tooth.
If a filling will not suffice, consider a root canal
But, if the decay is too big and the infection has reached the tooth pulp, a root canal is recommended. In this treatment, the diseased pulp and existing bacteria are removed before the tooth is sealed and protected by a dental crown to rebuild its structure.
Severe tooth decay will require a tooth extraction
A black tooth that can no longer be restored is removed to prevent the complications that may come with keeping it. Then, a tooth replacement, whether it is a bridge, denture, or implant, should be placed to avoid the consequences of a missing tooth.
Discolourations and stains can be removed with professional teeth cleaning
Surface stains from food and drinks and tobacco are removed using an ultrasonic scaler during professional teeth cleaning.
You may also consider teeth whitening or a dental crown for stubborn stains
If professional teeth cleaning will not cut it, you may consider getting a teeth whitening. This is especially for long-standing stains that may already be difficult to physically remove. A dental crown can also help cover this tooth and improve its aesthetics.
Preventing Black Teeth
A black tooth can be unsightly to look at, and sometimes it may come with symptoms such as pain. Once you have had your black tooth treated, here are some tips to make sure that it never happens again:
- Brush the teeth twice a day – Use a softbristled toothbrush with a fluoride-rich toothpaste to prevent bacteria build-up that may cause a decayed black tooth.
- Try a whitening toothpaste – If the discolouration is due to staining, a whitening toothpaste can help restore and maintain your pearly whites.
- Floss daily – Floss between the teeth and under the gumline to remove stuck food and debris.
- Avoid staining food or drinks – Be mindful of your diet and avoid consuming food that may cause discolouration.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Schedule your routine dental visits every six months for check-ups and cleaning.
- Protect your teeth with a mouthguard – Avoid dental injury by using a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products – Reduce black teeth from nicotine staining by avoiding smoking.
FAQs
Is a black tooth always an emergency?
A black tooth is not always an emergency. But if you can visit your dentist right away, do so. This helps eliminate the need for extensive treatment, which may be recommended for more serious cases of a black tooth.
When to seek emergency dental care?
A black tooth is considered an emergency if you are experiencing pain, swelling of the gums or face, fever, difficulty in speaking or eating, and if you have a bad taste or smell coming from the mouth. Schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible for urgent care.
Conclusion
A black tooth isn’t always a serious issue, but it could indicate a need for treatment to maintain optimal oral health. At Arbutus Station Dental, we are dedicated to providing precise diagnoses and effective treatment plans to ensure results that keep you smiling.
If you have a black tooth and want to know how we can help, do not hesitate to reach out to our practice. Book your appointment now and discover expert care for your smile!