Why do teeth get black in adults?

Black teeth are a problem that, although it may seem otherwise, are very common in dental clinics like ours. These cases are a sign of a severe problem in our dental health and should not be overlooked, in addition to creating complexes for the people who suffer from them.

This problem is much more frequent in adults than in children since there are a series of factors that favor the deterioration of the dental pieces and are the cause of their losing their white color to take on much darker shades or even end up with black teeth.

Main causes of black teeth

Normally, cases of black teeth are associated with enamel wear, due to the passage of time and our health and hygiene habits. However, as we will see, there are several factors behind the cases of black teeth:

• Food: due to its composition, there are foods that are prone to generating stains on the teeth. In addition, they are usually very present in everyday life, such as coffee, chocolate, wine or certain types of tea.
• Tobacco and alcohol: we all know the harmful effects they have on our health, but few people would be able to associate them with cases of black teeth. Moderating its consumption or even eliminating it would be very positive for our health and dental aesthetics.
• Medications: the consumption of certain medications can also harm our dental aesthetics since using them improperly or in excess generates black spots.
• Traumatisms: falls or blows are usually the most common cause of black teeth.

As you have seen, having good habits and responsible consumption of certain foods and medications is enough to prevent the blackening of the teeth.

In the event that there is no disease that is the cause of the darkening of the pieces, it is possible to return our smile to its usual color simply with dental whitening or with the placement of dental veneers.

Black teeth as a symptom of a disease

It may also be the case that black teeth are a symptom of a dental disease, not that it arises as a result of the aforementioned reasons.

For example, cavities in their most advanced stages can cause our pieces to lose their white color and become progressively darker. Because of the pain, patients do not reach this point without first visiting a dental clinic to be treated by a specialist.

Black teeth can also be associated with cases of pulpal necrosis. This disease originates when a nerve dies because blood vessels and nerves are damaged. In addition to darkening, necrosis is accompanied by a loss of sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli.

In these cases, we must put ourselves in the hands of a specialist who advises us and performs a treatment that restores the whiteness of our teeth.

Treatment for black teeth

Each treatment will depend on the result sought, whether medical or aesthetic.

For example, if it is an oral problem as a symptom of an infection, inflammation or necrosis, the best treatment would be a endodontics dental. Here the doctor in question will remove the nerve and purify the dental canal up to the nerve.

However, if the tooth is black for other reasons such as excessive discoloring foods or smoking, the ideal would be to opt for aesthetic dental care such as veneers, dental crowns or dental fillings. In this way we will give a feeling of greater cleanliness to the dental area in question.

How to return the white to our smile?

If you are concerned about the aesthetics of your smile or you think you may be suffering from a disease that could lead to a case of black teeth, do not hesitate to contact us. The team of professionals at Clínica Gallardo y Jiménez can help you achieve the best version of your smile.

Dra. Tatiana Gallardo Jiménez

Ortodoncista especializada en estética dental, ortodoncia y endodoncia, con un amplio bagaje profesional siempre aportando el mejor tratamiento posible, donde te acompañaremos durante todo tu proceso para que te sientas cómodo y seguro.