Black or darker teeth are more common than we think and are a cause for concern because they significantly affect the appearance of the smile. Many patients ask us why does a tooth turn black?

There are several reasons and there are several causes that can lead to the darkening of a tooth. The shade of the tooth changes from white to light gray or even black. This problem is a clear indication that the tooth is devitalized, in other words, that both the pulp and the dental nerve are dead, which cuts off the blood flow and makes them much less healthy than teeth that do have nerve.

Why do teeth blacken

It may happen that a tooth that was healthy starts to change color and become dark or blackened. Normally, this situation is caused by the affectation of the interior of the tooth, the dental pulp, which is popularly known as “nerve”.

This problem can be due to several causes, such as a blow that damages the tooth and causes damage to the dental nerve, or pulpitis or deep caries. When caries advances to the nerve, it can destroy it, causing dental devitalization and, in more severe cases, pulp necrosis.

See Dental caries. What they are, how to treat them and how to prevent them

As in adults, darkened black teeth in children have the root of their problem in a nerve, so a treatment called pulpectomy (if the roots of the tooth are treated) or pulpotomy (if only the pulp chamber is treated) will be necessary to properly cure the tooth.

In addition, it is more common to see caries problems in baby teeth, given the less exhaustive hygiene that children perform in their dental hygiene.

For this reason, it is advisable to take extreme precautions with the youngest children, trying to prevent them from consuming excessive sugars and going to the pediatric dentist for regular check-ups.

Most external stains tend to affect teeth equally, but this is not always the case. In some situations, one or two teeth become more stained than the others. We see it most often when you are a smoker, where the smoke gets into the mouth in a certain area and stains the teeth in front of them.

Sipping coffee can also lead to staining of the front of the mouth, causing perhaps a tooth or two to darken.

The good news is that these surface stains will respond to teeth whitening. Even if you have tried over-the-counter solutions with no luck, we should be able to remove the stains with professional strength whitening.

black teeth

Causes of black teeth

As the years go by, time and different habits can create black spots on the teeth. Although it may be considered a rare dental disease, it is quite frequent in dentists’ offices.

Over time, tooth enamel wears away and dentin (the connective tissue underneath the enamel) becomes more visible, which can cause teeth to appear darker.

Another of the most common causes of tooth blackening is the formation of tartar or calculus inside the tooth, which gives a yellowish tone to the surface of the tooth. These calculi may dislodge, causing a dark black tooth color.

Other factors that play a major role in the darkening of teeth are :

  • Pulp necrosis. The most serious. If you have suffered the death of the inner nerve of a tooth, it is very likely that the tooth will darken and turn black. The pulp is responsible for keeping the tooth alive through nerves and blood vessels, therefore, it is one of the main reasons.
  • Trauma. One of the main reasons for the darkening of a tooth as the nerve of the tooth is usually affected in case of a blow. A fall or a strong blow can cause trauma, with various consequences for the teeth, including: fracture of a tooth, luxation, i.e. its displacement, and avulsion, i.e. its total detachment.

    When the inside of the tooth is affected, pulp hemorrhage occurs and will darken the tooth. At first, a reddish or pinkish hue may be seen, but over time, the blood degrades and brown, orange, bluish or black shades appear. Total or partial calcification may also occur in the pulp area after trauma, which is reflected in a yellow shade in the tooth. In addition, pulp tissue death or necrosis may occur following trauma. In this case, the pulp degenerates and the tooth darkens in black, gray or brown tones, depending on the time elapsed since the blow and whether or not there was bacterial infection.

  • Cavities. A complicated cavity that has not been treated in time can also cause this phenomenon. As we have seen above, it can devitalize a tooth and in more severe cases end in pulp necrosis. If a root canal is not performed, there is a risk of losing the tooth and the infection can spread to the rest of the mouth, which can put other teeth at risk and lead to cardiovascular complications.
  • Metal fillings. Metal amalgam fillings may start out silver, but may tarnish or oxidize, turning black. When this happens, the entire tooth may darken, even if the initial filling is not visible. Replacing the responsible filling will not make the tooth shine, we must cover it with a dental crown or a veneer to give it a shiny and beautiful appearance again
  • A poorly performed root canal. Endodontics consists of the treatment of the root canals of a tooth or a molar when the dental pulp is damaged as a result of deep caries or trauma. In this case, it must be verified that the procedure has been carried out correctly.
  • Inadequate oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which can eventually darken teeth. Maintaining a proper cleaning routine and visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings can prevent this problem.
  • Dental fluorosis. Excess fluoride during tooth formation can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that presents as white, yellow or brown stains on the surface of the teeth. In mild cases, teeth whitening may help, while in more severe cases, veneers or dental crowns may be used.
  • Enamel defects. Some defects in tooth enamel formation, such as amelogenesis imperfecta or enamel hypoplasia, can cause discoloration. These defects can be treated with porcelain veneers or dental crowns to improve the appearance of the affected teeth.
  • Genetic factors.Some people have naturally darker teeth due to variation in enamel density and thickness. In these cases, cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers or dental crowns may be considered to improve the appearance of the teeth.

How long does it take for a tooth to turn black?

The time it takes for a tooth to turn black from the time the nerve dies can vary from patient to patient. Dental necrosis does not present symptoms of pain or discomfort, since it involves the death of the pulp, so the tooth ceases to have sensitivity.

However, it should be noted that, in the stages prior to necrosis, the teeth may be sensitive to the following stimuli:

  • Cold food.
  • Cold drinks.
  • Sweets with excess sugar.

Therefore, if you think you may have pulp necrosis or that the tooth is changing color, it is best to go as soon as possible to a specialized center, such as our dental clinics in Barcelona.

advanced dental appliances

 

How to solve a black tooth?

  • Endodontics. This is the best way to eliminate the root of the problem if pulp necrosis is present. Endodontics removes the nerve of the tooth that is affected by cleaning the different canals and placing inert material to seal the inside of the tooth and prevent infection.
  • Extract the tooth. In case there is no better solution because it has affected a large part of the piece and its restoration is not possible.. Once extracted, a dental implant can be placed to replace the damaged tooth. It is not at all advisable in this case, to leave the gap free since it can alter the structure of the mouth and transform the chewing deriving in worse problems such as deformation of the lips or loss of bone mass.
  • Dental aesthetics in case the darkening of the teeth is related to causes such as smoking, a dental whitening can restore the natural white of the teeth or in much worse cases dental veneers can be used..

Black areas on the gums

These dark spots, like a black border at the gum margin, can indicate a variety of oral conditions, including periodontal disease, caries and dental trauma.

  • Periodontitis, or pyorrhea, is one of the most common causes of this type of black spots on the gums. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can damage the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth. As the disease progresses the teeth may appear longer, the gums may become darker and look like black spots.
  • When decay develops in the root of the tooth, it can make the gum look black and cause discomfort.
  • If a tooth is broken or chipped, the gum may also be damaged, which can cause the gum and tooth to turn black.
  • An ill-fitting crown can expose the metal part of the sheath and give the impression of a black spot on the gum.

See Periodontitis. 5 tips to prevent it

Depending on the cause of the black areas on the gums, treatment may include professional tooth cleaning, replacement of an ill-fitting crown with one of a more esthetic material, root canal treatment, extraction of the affected tooth or periodontal surgery.

To prevent the blackening of teeth and gums it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene, brushing teeth after every meal and scheduling visits to the dentist at least once a year. In the event that you receive a blow to the mouth, you should see a dentist immediately for an evaluation.

Now that you know what pulp necrosis is and how it occurs, the danger of untreated caries or why black spots appear on the gums if you have any symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with a specialist for an assessment and to know the degree of involvement.

In our Dental Clinics in Barcelona, we work in different areas to offer the patient a comprehensive dental care. Schedule your visit so that we can study your case of dental or pulp necrosis and receive the appropriate treatment.

You can also read:

White spots on teeth. Why they come out. How to remove them

How to prevent and eliminate dental tartar. A complete guide

What to do if you have bleeding gums. Causes, treatments and prevention

Dental Veneers: The Perfect Solution for a Beautiful Smile

Endodontics. What is how and how is it done?

Dental Caps and Crowns: What they are, types and care

Dra. Yasmin Raslan
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