Why do I Have a Dark Spot on my Tooth?

A dark spot on the tooth might be concerning, but it isn’t necessarily serious. It could be anything from an injury to the tooth to a cavity to simply an area of discoloration. If you see a dark spot or a discolored area on your tooth and are concerned about it, consult with your dentist to see if you need to have your tooth cared for.

Causes of Dark Spots on the Teeth

[pullquote]Staining of the tooth surfaces is the most common cause of dark spots on the teeth.[/pullquote]

Dark spots on the teeth are fairly common, and often are nothing to be worried about. In those cases where they do indicate a problem, however, you should be sure to receive proper treatment.

Common causes of dark spots on the teeth include:

•    Discoloration from coffee, tea, or nicotine
•    Overexposure to fluoride during tooth development
•    Damage to the tooth
•    Tooth decay

Staining of the tooth surfaces is the most common cause of dark spots on the teeth. If you drink large amounts of coffee or tea, or if you smoke, this could be the source of the spots.

A traumatic injury to the tooth could also cause a dark spot or spots. This could indicate serious damage, and should be examined by your dentist. If you suspect tooth decay, a dental appointment is also important to keep the tooth from extensive, permanent damage.

Treating Dark Spots on the Teeth

If the tooth is simply discolored, you can correct the problem with teeth whitening or sometimes just with more thorough brushing. Fluoride exposure leads to a condition called fluorosis. This type of discoloration darkens all the layers of the teeth. Some whitening techniques can help correct fluorisis, but in most cases porcelain veneers or crowns may be necessary to restore the natural color.

Any damage or suspected damage to the tooth, including traumatic damage or decay, should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could require extensive restoration or could even lose your tooth.

If you are concerned with discoloration on your teeth and would like to know what treatment options are best for you, contact the Downtown Toronto office of Dr. Nicholas Kemp today to schedule an appointment.