A black spot or cavity between teeth (an interproximal cavity) is tooth decay where bacteria have eaten through the enamel, often due to trapped food and plaque, appearing dark because the decay progresses and damages the tooth structure. It's a serious sign of decay that needs professional dental attention, as it won't go away on its own and can lead to sensitivity or pain if it reaches deeper tooth layers.
Visible Spots or Stains
Cavities in between your teeth are harder to see. However, you may notice stains or dark spots in between your teeth. These are often black or brown in color. You may also notice greyish shadows.
A dental filling might be a good solution if the black spots or hole is caused by decay or cavities that haven't reached the tooth's pulp. The procedure involves removing the damaged or decayed parts of the tooth and filling the cleaned area with dental filling material like porcelain, composite, and amalgam.
To remove black tartar from your teeth, you will need to visit your dentist for professional cleaning. They will remove tartar with teeth scaling and if necessary, tooth root planning.
Dental black triangles are small, dark gaps between teeth near the gumline that are often caused by gum recession, bone loss, or tooth shape. They can trap food and plaque, which can affect oral health.
Unlike plaque, you can't remove tartar with brushing and flossing. A dentist or dental hygienist must remove it during a professional dental cleaning. Another name for tartar is dental calculus.
Rapid Discoloration: A tooth that suddenly turns black could be a sign of trauma or severe decay, and you should seek immediate attention to prevent complications. Infection: Signs of infection include gum swelling, pus, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth.
If the black marks on your teeth are severe, or if regular dental treatments can't remove them, your dentist may suggest more advanced procedures. Your options may include porcelain veneers or dental crowns to cover and conceal the spots.
Treatment options include:
You can fight tartar at home with things like baking soda or oil pulling. It's a start, especially if you're stretched thin with work or family. But those tricks only go so far. For the tough stuff—and to keep your teeth and gums healthy—you need a pro.
Stage 2: Dark Spots
At this point, the cavity should be easily visible and will require a filling to fix.
Toothpaste can prevent and slow cavities but not remove them. Fluoride toothpaste is scientifically proven to strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Brushing too hard can wear down enamel and cause more harm than good. Cavities often don't cause pain in the early stages.
If tartar is still left untreated, it can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, receding gums, gingivitis, and additional damage to teeth.
When cavities progress unchecked, they can hollow out the tooth, turning it brown or black as the structure breaks down. This often occurs when old fillings leak or when oral hygiene has been neglected for a prolonged period.
Recognizing the Signs of a Stage 1 Early Cavity
You might notice slight discoloration on the tooth's surface, typically appearing as white, chalky spots. These spots result from the enamel losing minerals, a process known as demineralization.
People often confuse cavities with tooth stains. Although these two may look similar, they are different in many ways. Cavities represent a type of tooth decay that necessitates prompt treatment from a dental professional.
When cavities reach your pulp, you may feel pain. You may also start to notice redness and swelling in the gums around your tooth. The spots on your tooth may turn darker brown or black. Abscessed tooth: Left untreated, a deep cavity can cause infection.
Colgate Cavity Protection: A classic choice that's been trusted for decades. It uses sodium monofluorophosphate to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities effectively. Sensodyne Pronamel: Perfect for those with sensitive teeth, this toothpaste offers cavity protection while strengthening enamel weakened by acid erosion.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
Are black spots on teeth always cavities? No. Some are stains, while others may be tartar deposits or natural grooves in the enamel. Only a dental exam can determine the true cause.
Is a dental filling always required to treat a cavity? In short, the answer is no. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because a dentist tends to want to remove the decayed part (the cavity) and fill it to stop any further damage from occurring.
When plaque stays on the teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar. Your tartar can turn black when it remains untreated, creating black stains along the gumline. Cavities can also cause black spots on and between your teeth, while black tartar is typically along the bottom of the teeth by your gums.
While pulling a black tooth may not always be necessary, it is important to seek professional dental care if you notice any discoloration or pain in your teeth. Various treatments are available for black teeth, including whitening procedures, fillings, and crowns.
A tooth infection that begins with something as minor as a toothache can quickly become a serious health concern. Bacteria from an untreated dental abscess can spread into other areas of the body, leading to a life-threatening condition known as sepsis, which must be taken care of in the hospital.
Treatments for a black tooth
Your dentist can usually remove a small amount of tooth around this area, removing the staining and/or decay and placing some tooth-coloured bonding material over this area. The tooth bonding will blend in naturally with your surrounding teeth, making the repair invisible.