Black Stains on Teeth: Fix & Prevent

Have you ever noticed a black line or spot around your teeth that persists despite regular brushing? If so, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right with your dental health.

Black lines aren’t a natural occurrence. They can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from your diet and everyday habits to more serious dental concerns such as untreated dental cavities, plaque and tartar buildup, and more.

If you have noticed black lines on your teeth and are unsure what to do, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll look at the causes, available treatment options, and preventative measures for black lines on teeth.

Black Lines on Teeth: What Do They Look Like?

Since teeth are naturally white (or at least off-white), black lines shouldn’t be that hard to spot. However, since they can be mistaken for other dental issues, it is important that we give a description of what they actually look like.

When you see thin, dark lines that form close to the gumline or along the tooth’s natural grooves, that is your telltale sign.

The lines can appear in various patterns. For instance, they may spread vertically, appear between teeth or along the gum line, or even wrap around the tooth. Also, the black line always seems to form on the front tooth (although recent evidence has shown that it can also show on other teeth).

What Causes Black Lines on Teeth?

Black lines can appear on your teeth for various reasons. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most common causes.

Tooth Decay and Untreated Cavities

One of the common culprits behind black lines on the teeth is tooth decay. But how does this happen?

When you have bacteria in your mouth and it breaks down your enamel (the outer layer of the teeth), the darker dentin layer underneath will get exposed.

This exposed part will then give the teeth a blackened or discolored appearance.

Constant Intake Of Dark-Colored Beverages Or Smoking.

You may not know this or even care to think much of it, but if you constantly smoke or take dark-colored drinks, you are inviting these dark lines to take over your enamel.

How do we know this?

Well, beyond their well-established health risk, cigarettes contain harmful chemicals like tar and nicotine that, aside from your lungs and kidneys, can also do a number on your teeth as well.

First, they will give your teeth a yellow stain, and then over time, if you don’t stop, those stains will turn into dark, stubborn lines. Learn more about yellow teeth in our article on why white teeth are stronger than yellow ones.

Dark-colored drinks like coffee, red wine, tea, and even blood tonic are also culpable of staining the teeth, causing black lines to appear around them.

Hardened Tartar and Plaque Buildup

A prolonged buildup of plaque on the teeth or along the gum line can also cause black lines or spots to dorm around the teeth. Here’s how it works.

When plaque accumulates on the teeth and is not removed on time, it hardens and turns into tartar (dental calculus). At first, the tarter might look yellowish, but if left untreated, it darkens and causes those dreaded black lines to appear.

And you know the tricky part? Unlike Plaque, tartar is not something that can be easily removed. Usually, you will need to get professional help to get rid of it for good.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is, by a long stretch, the leading cause of black lines on teeth.

For example, if you have the habit of not brushing or flossing properly, you are basically rolling the red carpet for plaque to settle on your teeth. And we all know where that leads.

Black lines can also form as a result of the oxidation of metal-based dental crowns, gum diseases or recession, enamel demineralization, and even chemical imbalance in the body.

How to Prevent Black Lines on Teeth

In oral health, especially black line formation, prevention is always better than cure. So, how can you keep these black lines from appearing on your teeth or gum line? Keep reading to find out.

Brush and Floss Regularly

It’s not outlandish to claim that a simple act of regular brushing and flushing is the solution to most oral issues, which also include black line formation.

For good measure, try to brush your teeth (using fluoride toothpaste) at least twice a day to remove accumulated grime and stains.

Oh, and don’t forget to floss! Regular flossing also helps to keep the gum line and the space in-between teeth clean.

Quit Smoking and Reduce Tobacco Intake

Constant smoking can take away more than your health; it can also affect your smile, leaving unsightly black lines on your teeth.

So, take control of your oral and overall health today by quitting smoking and cutting out tobacco products. Do this, and just watch as your teeth stay healthy and visually pleasing as the years go by.

Limit Staining Foods and Drinks

Red wine, coffee, and other colored foods are sweet and refreshing, but at the same time, they are bad for your oral health.

So, if you want to ensure that your mouth doesn’t play host to these black lines or stains, ensure that you cut them out of your diet ASAP. But if you absolutely must keep them in your diet, consider using a straw, to minimize contact with your teeth.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even if you have a busy schedule, make it a priority to visit your dentist regularly for routine dental checkups and cleaning.

When you do this often, your dentist will be able to catch early signs of dental issues, such as plaque buildup, before they worsen.

How Black Lines Can Be Removed From The Teeth

Having black lines on your teeth doesn’t mean that your days of smiling confidently in public are over. The good news is there are ways to get rid of the lines for good.

Seek Professional Teeth Whitening or Bleaching Treatments

If you want to remove black lines from your teeth, you generally have two options. Either you do it yourself using whitening toothpaste or whitening strips, or you go to the dentist to get your teeth bleached.

For the former, we can only advise that you do that if the black stains or lines are mild. However, if it is a “stubborn” stain and you don’t want to damage your enamel, you should opt for the bleaching treatment.With their expertise in teeth bleaching techniques (such as laser teeth whitening), dentists can help get rid of every discoloration on the teeth or gum.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

e truth is, not every oral issue requires the intervention of a specialist. 

For instance, if you notice black lines just starting to form around your teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene may be all that is needed to clear them.

Simple habits like brushing twice a day, flossing before going to bed, and rinsing the mouth are practices that can make a big difference to the appearance of your teeth.

Conclusion

If you notice a black line or spot on your teeth, first things first: get a good toothbrush and a good over-the-counter teeth whitening product and brush your teeth until the black line disappears and your teeth glow their natural color again.

However, if you are dealing with a deep, stubborn black stain, you must get in touch with your dentist for professional teeth cleaning or whitening.

That said, if you are looking for a dental clinic that can give your teeth the restorative makeover they need, Dentspa should be your number one choice.

At Dentspa, we are known for many great things, but one that stood out the most is our passion for restoring people’s smiles using state-of-the-art dental equipment and procedures.

If that is not enough to convince you, maybe our “spa-like” experience will do. What exactly do we mean by this? When you come to our clinic, from the moment you walk in till you finish your treatment, our spa-like environment will keep you relaxed and at ease.

But that’s not all! At Dentspa, we also have a team of highly qualified and trained dentists who have spent years and years honing their skills and gaining the experience and certifications they need to attend to your dental concerns.

If you are an international patient worried about the language barrier, we are happy to tell you that all the staff in our clinic are multilingual. That is, they can speak more than 4 major languages.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let those disgusting black lines continue to take your smile away!

Book an appointment with us today and let us find solutions to those annoying black lines.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to see black lines under crowns?

Absolutely! With metal-based crowns, it’s quite typical for them to undergo oxidation over time. This chemical reaction can lead to the formation of unsightly black stains along the edges of the teeth, which can be disconcerting for many patients.

What’s the best way to remove black lines on teeth?

Generally, it depends on the severity. But overall, to remove them, treatments such as professional cleaning, teeth whitening, or replacement of veneers and old dental work can be administered.

Do black lines on teeth signify poor oral hygiene?

Not always! While they can contribute to it, some factors not related to how well you brush or floss can also contribute to their formation.

Is it possible to remove black tartar at home?

No! You can only stop plaque buildup at home using your brush. Once it hardens into tartar, you will need a specialist to remove it.

Can black lines go away on their own?

No! If they ever appear on your teeth, best believe they are here to stay unless you decide to clean or treat them.