How to Remove Black Spots on Teeth: Causes, Treatments & Prevention
Black spots on your teeth aren’t just cosmetic. Depending on the cause, they may point to tartar buildup or tooth decay, which can lead to gum disease or further tooth damage if left untreated.
The good news is that safe, effective ways to remove black spots on teeth range from at-home care to professional dental treatments. Let’s cover the causes, treatments, and prevention steps you need to know.
What Causes Black Spots On Teeth?
There are a few common reasons you may notice dark spots:
- Extrinsic Stains: Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can leave stubborn surface stains over time. (More on this below.)
- Intrinsic Stains: Some medications can cause staining beneath the enamel – this type doesn’t respond to cleaning or whitening alone. (More on this below.)
- Tartar Buildup: Plaque that hardens into tartar traps stains and bacteria, which often appear as black or brown spots.
- Tooth Decay: As decay progresses, it can darken and appear as black or brown marks on the tooth surface. Early-stage decay usually looks different – often a white or chalky spot – so dark discoloration is typically a sign the decay has advanced.
Understanding the cause of dark spots on teeth is the first step in removing or preventing them.
Types of Teeth Stains
Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains sit on your enamel, the hard outer layer that protects the dentin underneath. They form when everyday things – coffee, red wine, berries, nicotine – leave colour behind on the enamel’s surface over time.
However, because these stains never reach the dentin, they’re the easiest type to treat, especially before they’ve had time to set in. A home whitening system is often all it takes.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains form beneath the enamel, inside the dentin itself. They’re usually caused by factors like tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood, too much fluoride while teeth were developing, or trauma that changes its tooth’s colour from the inside.
Because these stains sit below the enamel, surface whitening products can’t reach them. Treating intrinsic stains usually calls for professional options like in-office whitening or veneers.
How To Remove Black Spots On Teeth
Professional Dental Cleaning
The most effective way to remove black spots is a professional dental cleaning. At Dentists at Beddington Heights, our hygienists use specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque buildup that brushing alone can’t reach. This brightens your teeth and helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Teeth Whitening
If the dark spots are due to deep staining, professional whitening treatments can help restore your teeth to a brighter shade. Our team of experts can provide a whitening treatment after your routine dental cleaning to enhance the results.
Fillings or Restorative Care
When cavities cause black spots, your dentist may recommend a filling to stop decay from spreading. This not only restores your tooth’s function but also improves its appearance.
At-Home Care
While home remedies like whitening toothpaste, brushing twice daily, and reducing stain-causing foods can help maintain results, they won’t remove tartar or decay. Think of at-home care as prevention, and professional treatment as it resolves the issue.
Prevent Black Spots From Coming Back
With proper care and a consistent hygiene routine, you can help prevent black spots from returning after you’ve removed them.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings, at least twice a year.
- Limit stain-causing drinks and tobacco.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee or wine.
Ready To Brighten Your Smile?
If you’ve noticed black spots on your teeth, book a professional cleaning. Regular cleanings remove black spots on teeth and protect your oral and overall health. Pairing a cleaning with whitening can give you the fresh, confident smile you’re looking for. Contact Dentists at Beddington Heights in Calgary to book your cleaning or whitening treatment.
