How to remove black spots on teeth near gum line ?

Have you freaked out seeing black spots on teeth near the gum line ?You're not alone.Although black spots appear for various reasons, one near the gum line could possibly be a black tartar.

You would have tried to get rid of the black spots on teeth by brushing and may have ended up helpless.

These black spots near the gum line can be a simple staining to a more serious concern like tooth decay.

What Causes Black Spots on Teeth near the gum line ?

Before jumping into how to remove these black spots,let’s first understand why they appear. Identifying the cause is key to finding the right treatment.

1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. When plaque isn’t properly removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar.

Tartar is much harder to remove and can turn black, especially near the gum line. Once tartar forms, you’ll need a professional cleaning to get rid of it.

• How do you know if it’s tartar?
  Check if the black spot feels rough or seems to grow over time. If it does, tartar is likely the culprit.

2. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Black spots could also be a sign of cavities.Tooth decay happens when the enamel breaks down due to acids produced by bacteria. This can leave behind dark spots on the surface of your teeth.

• Is it painful?
  If you feel sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods around the black spot, it might be more than just staining. You could be dealing with a cavity.

3. Staining from Foods and Drinks

Love your morning cup of coffee? Dark-colored foods and beverages can stain your teeth over time. The pigments in coffee, tea, and wine cling to the enamel and eventually cause surface discoloration.

• Does brushing help?
  Daily brushing helps reduce these stains, but if they’ve been there for a while, professional whitening might be necessary to lift the darker pigments.

4. Tobacco Use

Both smoking and chewing tobacco are notorious for causing dark stains on teeth. The nicotine and tar in tobacco leave yellow, brown, or black stains, particularly near the gums.

• What if I quit smoking?
  Quitting smoking can prevent new stains from forming, but you may still need a dental cleaning to get rid of the existing ones.

5. Old Dental Fillings or Crowns

If you’ve had fillings or crowns, especially metal ones, they can sometimes oxidize or corrode, causing black spots near the gum line.

This isn’t harmful, but it may not look great aesthetically.

How to Remove Black Spots on Teeth

Now that you know the possible causes, let’s talk about solutions! Here are some of the most effective ways to remove those black spots and regain your bright smile.

1. Professional Dental Cleaning

If plaque and tartar are the cause, your dentist or dental hygienist can remove them with a professional cleaning.

They use special tools to scrape away tartar from both the tooth surface and below the gum line.

• How often should I get this done?
  It’s generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning, but if you’re prone to tartar buildup, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits.

  Related : How often should you have a dental cleaning

2. Scaling and Root Planing

If the black spots are due to heavy tartar buildup beneath the gums, a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing might be necessary.

This treatment is more thorough and is often done in multiple sessions.

• Is it painful?
  Don’t worry! Dentists usually numb the area before performing this procedure to ensure you’re comfortable.

3. Teeth Whitening Treatments

If your black spots are due to staining, professional teeth whitening can help. Dentists use stronger bleaching agents than over-the-counter products, which can penetrate the tooth enamel to break up stains.

• Can I do this at home?
  While there are many at-home whitening kits available, they may not be as effective as professional treatments, especially for deep or dark stains.

4. Filling or Restoring Cavities

If tooth decay is causing the black spots, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a dental filling. This can stop the decay from spreading and restore the tooth’s natural appearance.

• What if the cavity is large?
  If the decay is extensive, your dentist may recommend a crown instead of a filling to fully protect the tooth.

5. Replacing Old Fillings or Crowns

Got an old metal filling or crown that’s causing dark spots? Replacing it with a newer, more natural-looking material like composite resin or ceramic can restore the appearance of your teeth.

Related : Understanding dental crowns

How to prevent black spots on teeth?

Removing black spots is only half the battle—you’ll also want to keep them from coming back! Here are some prevention tips to maintain a stainless smile !

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

It may sound simple, but brushing twice a day and flossing daily can make a big difference in preventing plaque and tartar buildup.

Focus on brushing along the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate.

2. Rinse with Mouthwash

An antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that cause plaque. Using it after meals or before bed adds an extra layer of protection against tartar and decay.

3. Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks

Cutting back on coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark-colored foods can help prevent future stains. If you can’t resist your favorite beverage, try drinking through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Swishing water in your mouth after drinking these beverages can also help wash away pigments before they settle on your teeth.

4. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your teeth—and your overall health. Not only will it reduce the risk of black spots, but it will also lower your chances of gum disease, oral cancer, and other health issues.

5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Routine dental checkups can help catch potential problems early, whether it’s plaque buildup, cavities, or gum disease. Regular cleanings will also remove any tartar that’s starting to form.

When to see a dentist

If you have been noticing black spots near the gum line for a longer time that aren’t going away, then it’s time you see a dentist.

Warning signs you should look out for :

• Pain or sensitivity around the black spot

• Swelling or redness in the gums

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing

These could indicate an infection or other serious dental issues that require professional treatment.

How to remove black spots from teeth at home ?

While some may try home remedies like brushing with baking soda or using whitening toothpaste to reduce surface stains, black spots on teeth often indicate issues like tartar buildup or cavities, which cannot be effectively removed at home.

Professional dental care, such as a cleaning or filling, is required to fully eliminate these spots and address any underlying problems.

It’s best to visit a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Which is the best toothpaste for black spots on teeth

There isn’t a specific toothpaste designed solely for black spots on teeth.

If the black spots are due to tartar buildup or decay, no toothpaste can fully remove them, and a professional dental cleaning or treatment may be necessary.