12 Causes of Black Stains on Teeth—and How to Remove Them
Black stains on teeth can be worrying, especially if they appear suddenly or affect your child’s smile. These dark marks may show up near the gums, on the biting surfaces, or even between teeth. Understanding the causes of black stains on teeth, how to remove black stains on teeth naturally, and the best black stains on teeth treatment options can help you keep your smile bright and healthy.
This article breaks down the top reasons for black stains, how to prevent them, and when to seek professional help. We’ll also cover black stains on teeth in children, the role of bacteria, and whether these stains are permanent.
1. Chromogenic Bacteria: The Most Common Culprit
What it is:
Chromogenic bacteria produce pigments, leading to black stains on teeth, especially in children. These bacteria, such as Actinomyces and Prevotella melaninogenica, interact with iron in the saliva or gingival fluid to form insoluble ferric salts like ferric sulfide, which appear as black lines or dots near the gums.
Who it affects:
Most common in children, but it can occur in adults. Black stains on teeth in child patients are frequently due to these bacteria.
Prevention & removal:
Professional dental cleaning is the most effective way to remove these stains, as they often resist regular brushing. Some mouth rinses targeting sulfur-producing bacteria may help prevent recurrence.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene and Plaque Buildup
What it is:
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can turn black over time, especially below the gumline.
Who it affects:
Anyone who doesn’t brush and floss regularly.
Prevention & removal:
Brush twice daily, floss, and visit your dentist for professional cleanings. Tartar and black stains on teeth near the gums require removal by a dental professional.
3. Diet: Iron-Rich Foods and Supplements
What it is:
Certain vegetables, fruits, dairy, and iron supplements can contain high iron diets, which can react with bacterial byproducts to form black stains on teeth.
Who it affects:
Children taking iron supplements or eating iron-fortified foods, and adults with high-iron diets.
Prevention & removal:
Rinse your mouth after consuming iron-rich foods or supplements. If stains develop, professional cleaning is usually needed.
4. Smoking and Tobacco Use
What it is:
Nicotine and tar from cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause stubborn black stains on teeth.
Who it affects:
Smokers and users of chewing tobacco.
Prevention & removal:
Quitting tobacco is the best prevention. Stains may be removed with professional dental cleaning and whitening treatments.
5. Dark-Colored Foods and Drinks
What it is:
Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and some berries contain pigments that can stain teeth black or brown over time.
Who it affects:
Anyone who frequently consumes these beverages or foods.
Prevention & removal:
Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or drinks. Use a whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains, but persistent stains may need professional cleaning.
6. Tooth Decay and Cavities
What it is:
Advanced tooth decay can cause teeth to turn black, especially if the decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth.
Who it affects:
Anyone with untreated cavities or poor oral hygiene.
Prevention & removal:
Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and prompt treatment of cavities can prevent black stains caused by decay. Treatment may include fillings, crowns, or root canals.
7. Tartar Formation and Black Tartar
What it is:
When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus). Tartar above the gumline starts yellow, but can turn black if left untreated. Tartar below the gumline is often black due to mixing with blood pigments.
Who it affects:
People with poor oral hygiene, smokers, or those with gum disease.
Prevention & removal:
Only a dentist or hygienist can remove black tartar through scaling and root planing.
8. Dental Trauma or Injury
What it is:
A tooth that’s been injured may turn black due to internal bleeding or pulp death. The black color is from blood pigments or necrotic tissue inside the tooth.
Who it affects:
Anyone who’s experienced a blow to the mouth or cracked a tooth.
Prevention & removal:
See a dentist immediately if a tooth darkens after trauma. Treatment may involve root canal therapy or restoration.
9. Certain Medications
What it is:
Some medications, such as liquid iron supplements, certain antibiotics, or mouth rinses, can cause black stains on teeth as a side effect.
Who it affects:
Children and adults who are taking these medications.
Prevention & removal:
Rinse your mouth after taking medication. Professional cleaning can remove most medication-related stains.
10. Genetics and Saliva Composition
What it is:
Some people are naturally more prone to black stains due to genetic factors or the composition of their saliva, which may contain more iron or other minerals.
Who it affects:
Individuals with a family history of dental staining.
Prevention & removal:
Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits for early detection and removal.
11. Dental Materials and Fillings
What it is:
Old metal fillings, crowns, or dental materials can sometimes leach and cause black stains on the surrounding tooth structure.
Who it affects:
People with older dental work.
Prevention & removal:
Consult your dentist about replacing old fillings or crowns if you notice discoloration.
12. Rare Causes: Disease and Oral Cancer
What it is:
In rare cases, black stains or spots in the mouth can be a sign of oral cancer or other systemic diseases. Other symptoms usually accompany these.
Who it affects:
Anyone, but especially those with risk factors for oral cancer.
Prevention & removal:
See your dentist promptly if you notice unexplained black spots, especially if they don’t brush off or are accompanied by pain, swelling, or other changes.
Are Black Stains on Teeth Permanent?
Most black stains on teeth are not permanent and can be removed with professional dental treatments such as scaling, polishing, or whitening. However, stains caused by internal tooth damage or old dental work may require more advanced treatments like veneers, bonding, or crowns.
How to Remove Black Stains on Teeth Naturally
While professional cleaning is the most effective way, some home remedies may help with mild surface stains:
- Baking soda: A gentle abrasive that can help scrub away stains—use sparingly to avoid damaging enamel.
- Oil pulling: Swishing coconut or sesame oil may help reduce bacteria and stains over time.
- Activated charcoal: It can bind to surface stains, but it should be used with caution and not as a substitute for dental care.
- Apple cider vinegar: May help lighten stains, but excessive use can erode enamel.
For persistent or deep stains, see your dentist for treatment of black stains on teeth.
How Schwimmer Dental Can Help
At Schwimmer Dental in Point Pleasant, NJ, we provide comprehensive solutions for black stains on teeth:
- Expert Diagnosis: We identify the exact causes of black stains on teeth, whether it’s bacteria, tartar, decay, or something else.
- Professional Cleaning: Our hygienists use advanced tools to remove black stains, plaque, and tartar—even in hard-to-reach spots.
- Customized Whitening: We offer professional whitening treatments tailored to your needs, targeting both surface and deeper stains.
- Restorative Dentistry: For stains caused by decay or trauma, our dentists provide fillings, crowns, or bonding to restore tooth color and function.
- Preventive Care: We educate patients on maintaining a stain-free smile and offer fluoride treatments, sealants, and dietary advice.
- Gentle Pediatric Dentistry: Our team is experienced in treating black stains on teeth in child patients, making visits comfortable and stress-free.
- Modern Technology: Digital imaging and minimally invasive techniques ensure precise, effective, and comfortable care.
Whether you have stubborn stains, recurring discoloration, or sudden black spots, Schwimmer Dental is your partner for a brighter, healthier smile.
Conclusion
Black stains on teeth are more common—and more treatable—than you might think. From chromogenic bacteria to tartar and trauma, knowing the causes of black stains on teeth is the first step to a cleaner, more confident smile.
If you’re tired of hiding your teeth or wondering, “are black stains on teeth permanent,” let Schwimmer Dental help you turn things around. Book your visit today and let us bring the shine back to your smile—because every tooth deserves a second chance!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes black stains on teeth?
Black stains are most commonly caused by chromogenic bacteria, tartar buildup, iron-rich foods or supplements, smoking, certain medications, and tooth decay.
What deficiency causes black stains on teeth?
Iron supplements or diets high in iron can sometimes cause black stains, but there’s no specific vitamin or mineral deficiency directly linked to black stains on teeth.
Can black marks be removed from teeth?
Yes, most black marks can be removed with professional dental cleaning, whitening, or restorative treatments.
Why is my tooth turning black, but no pain?
A tooth may turn black from internal bleeding, trauma, or decay, even without pain. It’s important to see a dentist for evaluation.
Sources:
- https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/tartar-and-plaque/black-tartar-on-teeth-causes-symptoms
- https://www.healthline.com/health/black-teeth
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321777
- https://www.oral-b.co.in/en-in/oral-health/conditions/teeth-whitening/how-to-remove-black-stains-from-teeth
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21899989/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/the-effects-of-chlorine-on-your-teeth
- https://www.teethtalkgirl.com/dental-health/is-your-mouthwash-staining-your-teeth/
