dental hygiene
You look in the mirror and notice one tooth has gone dark. Maybe it’s brown at first, then almost black near the gumline.
Black Teeth Usually Have a Reason
Decay is one of the common causes. As a cavity gets worse, the tooth structure breaks down and changes color. The area can turn brown or gray before becoming very dark. And because decay doesn’t always hurt at first, you can miss it for quite a while.
When Decay Gets Deep
A small cavity is one thing. Deep decay is different. Once the damage reaches the soft inner part of the tooth, where the nerves and blood vessels are, the tooth can become badly infected. Pain may show up. Swelling can follow. Or, strangely, the tooth may stop hurting because the nerve has died.
That last part catches people off guard. No pain doesn’t automatically mean the problem has disappeared.
An Old Injury Can Darken a Tooth
A tooth can also turn dark after being hit. Maybe you fell off a bike years ago. Maybe you took a ball to the mouth as a kid and forgot about it. The injury can damage the blood vessels inside the tooth, causing the tooth to slowly become gray or black.
What Should You Do About a Black Tooth?
And don’t wait just because the tooth doesn’t hurt. Teeth can get into serious trouble quietly.
• A sudden dark tooth deserves attention, especially if the color seems to be coming from inside rather than sitting on the surface.
• After an old knock to the mouth, watch for color changes. They can appear much later than you’d expect.
Disclaimer
The information shared in our articles is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Every smile is unique, and only a qualified dental professional can assess your individual oral health needs. If you have any concerns, please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist.
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