Why is there a Black Spot on my Tooth?
Waking up and finding a black spot on your teeth could cause alarm bells to go off in your head. However, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Believe it or not, black spots are a very common occurrence. In fact, such a sight could signify one of two things: Cavity or Black Tartar on teeth. Thankfully though, none of them are life-threatening emergencies.
How is Tartar Formed?
If your gum line is affected, rather than the inside of your tooth, Tartar — also known as Calculus — is most likely to be the culprit.
Essentially, Tartar is excess plaque that has hardened over time. Plaque, on the other hand, is a transparent, glossy film that coats your teeth if they’re not properly cleaned. When saliva, bacteria, and remnants of tiny food particles come together, plaque is born.
Usually, you can clean off plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth. But, on the off chance that your oral health is neglected, the coating of plaque ends up solidifying. This causes tartar to snuggle up against your teeth and gum line. The worst part? No matter how hard you clean, that pesky black spot is unlikely to move.
What Causes Black Tartar on Teeth?
Various reasons can cause tartar on your teeth. Nonetheless, it’s just as important to keep in mind that tartar doesn’t just start as a black void growing against your pearly whites. In fact, during its initial stages, tartar goes through a myriad of color changes. It starts off with a yellowish hue before turning green. This marks a turning point because, later on, the stain on your tooth only gets darker. It goes from a murky gray to brown to finally collecting enough bacteria to turn black. This is known as Subgingival Tartar, and it can develop due to:
- Plaque Buildup
- Coffee & Wine
- Smoking
- Sugary and Starchy Foods
- Fragile Enamel
Symptoms of Tartar Development
Although tartar is not a dental emergency, you should still keep an eye out for the following signs to help identify it:
- Discoloration
- Bad Breath
- Wiggly Tooth
- Heightened Tooth Sensitivity
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums
- Hard and Rough Deposits on Tooth
How to Get Rid of Black Tartar on Teeth
If you’re looking for a way to scrape the black stuff off your tooth easily, you’re in for some serious disappointment. Cleaning tartar at home is impossible, and trying to do so will only further damage your teeth and gums.
This is because when tartar finds its way down to your gum line, it doesn’t just sit tight. Instead, it shreds through the blood vessels of your gums. The blood then, from the ruptured vessels, mixes with tartar and causes the affected tooth to turn black.
So, if you try to exfoliate the black tartar, you could risk getting gingivitis or even periodontitis. Letting a professional handle your teeth is the only way to get rid of the stains on your teeth. At most, you’ll be scheduled in for root-planing and scaling.
The final result? A beautiful, stain-free smile!
Prevention Tips
To keep your teeth clean and free of tartar, all you have to do is:
- Brush and Floss your teeth every day (if possible, do so between meals).
- Use Tartar Toothpaste to keep it from spreading.
- Schedule bi-annual visits to the Dentist.
- Avoid Tobacco
On a Final Note
Maintaining good oral hygiene should be a necessary step in your daily routine. This way, you can prevent black tartar from forming on your teeth. All it takes is five minutes to brush and floss altogether. Plus, with a little effort, you can keep your pearly whites shining for a long time. If you have further queries, contact Spring Cypress Dental by dialing (281)-256-3222. We’re here to assist and take care of all your dental needs.