Having pearly white teeth is often seen as an attractive trait. However, many factors can cause teeth to become discolored or stained over time. The good news is that in most cases, it is possible to restore teeth to their natural white color. Here is an overview of how teeth can turn black and what you can do to get your smile looking bright again.
What causes black teeth?
There are several potential causes of blackened or discolored teeth:
- Food and drink stains – Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries can stain teeth over time, especially if you do not brush afterwards.
- Tobacco use – Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco leads to stubborn tobacco stains.
- Trauma – Injuries to the mouth and teeth can cause the pulp inside the tooth to die, resulting in a blackened tooth.
- Dental cavities – Untreated tooth decay can progress deep into the tooth, causing blackened areas.
- Medications – Some medications like tetracycline antibiotics taken by children can permanently stain teeth.
- Fluorosis – Too much fluoride intake while teeth are developing can result in discoloration ranging from faint white spots to brown or black stains.
- Aging – As we get older, the outer enamel layer of our teeth naturally becomes thinner, allowing the yellowish dentin underneath to show through.
Can stains be removed from teeth?
In many cases, yes – stains and discoloration can be removed from teeth through various whitening techniques and dental treatments. However, the results depend on:
- Type of staining – Surface stains from foods, drinks, and tobacco are easier to remove than internal stains which penetrate deeper into the tooth.
- Extent of staining – Light stains will be quicker to remove than years of accumulated stains.
- Tooth structure – Teeth that are cracked, worn down, or have fillings may not whiten as well.
- Age of stains – Recent stains come off more easily compared to stains that have set in over time.
Your dentist can evaluate your specific case and advise you on which whitening methods are likely to be effective.
Professional teeth whitening from a dentist
The most dramatic whitening results are achieved through professional treatments administered by your dentist. Options include:
- In-office whitening – Whitening gel with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are applied to the teeth, then accelerated with heat, light, or laser energy. Results are seen after just one 1-hour visit.
- Custom-fitted trays – Your dentist makes customized trays that fit your teeth, then gives you whitening gel to place in the trays at home. Worn for 1-2 hours daily over 2-4 weeks.
- Whitening strips – Your dentist may provide higher-dose whitening strip kits with greater peroxide concentrations that you can use at home to lift stains.
With in-office treatments costing $500-1000 and custom trays $300-800, professional whitening is more expensive but provides longer-lasting results. Treatments are most effective on yellow stains.
Over-the-counter whitening products
For more affordable options, you can find many whitening products at your local pharmacy without a prescription:
- Whitening toothpastes – Contain mild abrasives and polishing agents to physically scrub stains off teeth. Best for light surface stains.
- Whitening strips – Thin strips coated with hydrogen peroxide that adhere to teeth. Worn for 30 minutes 1-2x daily.
- Whitening trays with gel – Custom trays filled with weaker peroxide gels applied 1-2 hours daily.
- Whitening mouthwashes – Swished around teeth to lift stains and prevent new discoloration.
Over-the-counter products range from $10-100. They produce gradual lightening over weeks of continued use and are less effective on stubborn stains.
Natural teeth whitening remedies
For a more natural approach, you can try these homemade teeth whitening solutions:
- Baking soda and lemon juice – Mix to form a paste and brush onto teeth for 2 minutes, then rinse. Use once weekly.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Dilute with water and swish around teeth for 60 seconds daily.
- Apple cider vinegar – Rub onto teeth with cotton ball or swig around mouth for 1 minute daily.
- Coconut oil pulling – Swish oil in mouth for 10-20 minutes then spit out. Use daily.
- Fruits like strawberries – Rub cut surfaces on teeth to scrub away stains.
- Crunchy fruits and veggies – Bite into apples, carrots, and celery to mechanically remove stains.
- Activated charcoal – Mix with water into paste and brush onto teeth before rinsing. Use 1-2x weekly.
Natural remedies help remove surface stains and are gentle, but must be used consistently for gradual lightening over weeks. Results are modest compared to professional whitening.
When to see a dentist
It’s a good idea to have your teeth professionally examined if they appear black or are rapidly darkening. The dentist can check for:
- Cavities – Blackened spots may indicate tooth decay needing fillings.
- Root canal – An infected pulp inside the tooth may need root canal treatment.
- Gum disease – Dark roots exposed by receding gums require scaling and planning.
- Cracks – Fractured teeth need protection and repair to prevent stains entering.
Restorative treatments are often required before attempting any cosmetic teeth whitening. The dentist can take x-rays and determine whether your blackened teeth can be successfully whitened or may require other solutions like dental work or crowns.
When whitening may not work
While most discolored teeth can be lightened to some degree, there are certain situations where whitening is not possible or has limitations:
- Teeth with fillings – Whitening does not impact fillings, which remain their original color.
- Artificial teeth – Crowns, veneers, bridges, and dentures cannot be whitened.
- Teeth with removed roots – Whitening only affects the visible crown portion of a tooth.
- Fluorosis stains – Severe fluorosis causes intrinsic staining deep in the enamel that is difficult to remove completely.
- Medication stains – Tetracycline staining in developing teeth is permanent and cannot be reversed.
In these cases, other solutions like dental bonding, porcelain restorations, or dental implants may be required to improve the appearance of dark teeth.
How long do whitened teeth last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. On average, the duration of results is:
- In-office whitening – 1-3 years
- Dentist-provided trays – 1-2 years
- Over-the-counter products – Few weeks to 6 months
- Natural remedies – 1-2 weeks
Teeth will gradually re-stain from foods, drinks, and other habits over time. Smokers often see their teeth revert in a matter of weeks or months after whitening. Protecting your investment in a brighter smile involves:
- Cutting down on staining foods/drinks
- Quitting smoking
- Brushing and flossing thoroughly twice a day
- Using non-abrasive whitening toothpaste
- Rinsing with water after staining foods and drinks
- Doing touch-up whitening treatments annually or as needed
Is teeth whitening safe?
When used correctly, teeth whitening is generally safe. However, potential side effects include:
- Tooth sensitivity – This is the most common problem, but usually goes away within 1-2 days after stopping treatment.
- Gum irritation – Whitening products can cause temporary inflammation of the gums.
- Effects on fillings – Hydrogen peroxide can temporarily roughen and soften restorations. Avoid whitening right after getting new dental work.
- Over-bleaching – Using products excessively can wear away enamel and give teeth an unnatural translucent appearance.
Proper application and following manufacturer’s directions reduces the risk of complications. See your dentist if you experience ongoing sensitivity or other concerns during the whitening process.
Conclusion
While your teeth can become stained and discolored over time from normal exposure to foods, drinks, tobacco, and aging, in most cases the damage is cosmetic and teeth can be restored to a whiter shade. Both professional and over-the-counter products can effectively lighten and remove stains, with professional options giving the most dramatic results, especially on severe stains. However, continue maintenance is required to keep your brightened smile.
If teeth appear black, it’s important to see a dentist first to check for cavities or other underlying issues and determine if whitening is appropriate. For teeth that are cracked, decayed, or intrinsically stained, alternative restorations may be needed. But for otherwise healthy teeth diminished by extrinsic stains, whitening offers a relatively affordable and non-invasive solution for getting your smile gleaming again.