A tooth turning black is a visual indication of an underlying issue within the oral cavity. A distinct black discoloration on a tooth signals a deviation from normal dental health. This change is not merely cosmetic but often points to internal or external processes requiring professional attention. Prompt evaluation is needed to identify the cause and prevent complications.
Reasons for a Tooth Turning Black
Tooth decay, or cavities, is a common reason a tooth may darken. Bacteria produce acids that erode enamel and dentin. As decay progresses, the affected tooth structure turns dark brown or black, creating visible spots or larger areas of discoloration. This darkening occurs as the tooth’s protective layers are compromised.
Trauma or injury can also cause a tooth to turn black. An impact might damage the tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the blood supply is cut off, internal tissues can die, and blood breakdown products can cause the tooth to darken over time, similar to a bruise. This discoloration may develop weeks or months after the injury.
External factors contribute to tooth discoloration through staining. Dark-colored foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and certain berries, can leave pigments on enamel. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, introduces tar and nicotine that deeply stain teeth, often resulting in yellowish-brown to black discoloration. These are extrinsic stains, affecting the outer surface of the tooth.
Certain medications, like liquid iron supplements, can also cause tooth staining. Old dental restorations, particularly amalgam fillings, can make a tooth appear darker as the metal corrodes or leaches into the surrounding tooth structure. Additionally, hardened plaque, known as tartar, can appear black, especially along the gum line.
Accompanying Symptoms and Potential Complications
A black tooth may have other symptoms depending on the cause. If decay or infection is present, individuals might experience pain or increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks. This discomfort arises from the compromised tooth structure and irritation of the tooth’s internal pulp.
Unaddressed decay or a dying tooth can lead to serious complications. Infection can spread, causing gum swelling or a dental abscess, a pocket of pus. This may result in pain and tenderness.
Bad breath or a foul taste may also signal infection. Untreated dental infections can have broader health implications, as bacteria can spread beyond the oral cavity. Advanced decay or infection can weaken the tooth, making extraction necessary, leading to tooth loss.
Dental Assessment and Treatment Options
A dental professional will assess a black tooth to determine the cause. This involves a visual examination and probing for decay or sensitivity. X-rays evaluate the tooth’s internal structure, revealing decay, root issues, or bone involvement. Vitality tests may assess pulp health.
Treatment options vary based on diagnosis. For decay, the dentist removes the decayed portion. Smaller cavities receive a filling, often made of composite resin or amalgam. For extensive decay, a dental crown, a custom-made cap, may be placed over the tooth to restore its shape and function.
If trauma has led to a non-vital (dead) tooth, a root canal treatment is often performed. This procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp, cleaning, filling, and sealing the root canals. A crown is then placed to protect the tooth.
For external staining, professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar. Teeth whitening, using peroxide-based gels, can lighten many extrinsic and some intrinsic stains. For stubborn discoloration, veneers (thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface) or crowns can mask it.
If a tooth is too severely damaged or infected to be saved, extraction may be the only option. This is followed by discussions about tooth replacement solutions like dental implants or bridges.
Preventative Measures for Tooth Discoloration
Maintaining consistent oral hygiene habits helps prevent tooth discoloration. Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and food particles that contribute to staining and decay. Daily flossing cleans between teeth, where stains and plaque accumulate.
Dietary choices also prevent discoloration. Limiting highly pigmented foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, reduces extrinsic stains. Rinsing with water after consuming these items helps wash away staining agents. Avoiding tobacco products reduces severe tooth staining.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings aid early detection and prevention. Dentists identify and address early signs of decay or staining. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that at-home brushing cannot. For contact sports, wearing a mouthguard protects teeth from traumatic injuries.