4 Home Remedies to Remove a Black Spot on a Tooth

Author:
Louise Fiolek
Updated:
Jan 16, 2024 11:20 PM EST

What is this black spot on my tooth, and how can I get rid of it?
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What Causes Black Spots on Teeth?

A black spot on your tooth can signify tooth decay caused by tartar buildup and plaque. However, it can also be a harmless stain from food, drink, or tobacco. If you want to eliminate it, this article will discuss some treatment options, including natural remedies to try at home.

There are two main reasons why a black spot would form on your tooth:

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most worrisome potential cause of a black spot on your teeth. As Dr. Craig Kohler explains in the video below, plaque and tartar buildup cause dental caries by allowing sugar, bacteria, and acid to stick to the teeth and erode the enamel and mineral structure. It is wise to see a dentist as soon as you can. Black dots on your teeth may not seem urgent but they may indicate that your teeth are damaged or decaying.

2. Pigment Stain

If the black spot on your tooth isn't a cavity and isn't painful, it may be a tiny pigment stain. Your dentist can confirm the discoloration and its type with a simple check-up.

Extrinsic Discoloration

Sometimes, black or brown spots become apparent on various areas of the teeth when stains, such as remnants of colored food or drink, build up in the protein-based enamel-protecting coating. These are examples of extrinsic discoloration, which affects the outer layer of the tooth. Frequent drinking of coffee, tea, wine, or carbonated beverages or using tobacco products are common blaming factors.

Intrinsic Discoloration

However, some black spots may result from intrinsic discoloration, affecting the tooth's inner layer. This situation can happen as a result of situations like:

trauma
infection
medication
aging

Age is a factor that can make the teeth more susceptible to discoloration since enamel wears down over time and exposes the dentin underneath.

Unsightly black spots on teeth can cause annoyance or embarrassment, so let's look at some treatment and home remedy options.

Treatment and Home Remedies

Treatments administered at a dental office or through self-care at home can assist in removing the discoloration of a black spot on a tooth.

If tooth decay is present, your dentist can restore the whiteness by removing the decayed part and filling it with a composite resin material that matches the color of your tooth.
A simple scale and polish will remove most superficial surface stains at your dentist's office. Some dentists can also offer a thorough cleaning using a prophy-jet system, which uses bicarbonate particles to blast the stains away.
If you'd prefer to try removing the spot yourself at home and are willing to exercise some patience, read on to discover four home remedies that can help with dental stain removal.

1. Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste

Many toothpaste varieties contain sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, making stain removal easier. Although this variety of toothpaste uses a small amount, baking soda is a potent substance. But then, such abrasives are a key ingredient in whitening toothpaste; they polish the teeth to make it easier for the chemicals to penetrate the black spot.

When combined with water to form a paste, baking soda quickly gets to work to remove tiny black spots from teeth due to staining. The paste traps pigment and odor in baking soda and safely lifts the stain from the tooth. You'll be able to remove more and more of the dark color after each application.

Mix one part of each baking soda and water in a small bowl to make a paste.
Dip your toothbrush into the soda mixture, coating each tooth completely.
Then, gently brush in circular motions.
Continue brushing for about a minute, and then thoroughly rinse with water.

Baking soda is highly effective at removing black spots from teeth due to staining
Photo by Kaboompics

3. Teeth Whitening Gel

Whitening gels are effective in removing painless black spots or stains from teeth. However, before using them, ensure they have an active ingredient like hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These substances help to bleach and brighten the teeth.

Apply the gel to the black spot on your tooth and follow the instructions on the packaging to know how long you need to keep it on. There are a couple of points to be cautious about here:

Leaving teeth whitening gel on for too long may cause damage to your teeth. The tooth's strength is reduced during whitening, making it more susceptible to wear and damage.
Sodium chlorite can severely weaken enamel if left on the teeth for an extended period, making them vulnerable to further harm.

4. Teeth Whitening Strips

These everyday dental products help you remove unwanted stains and brighten your teeth. They are a straightforward and inexpensive option, although they are less effective than treatments received at a dentist's office.

Teeth whitening strips are an excellent solution if the black spot is close to the gum line or on the side of a tooth. You can apply it directly to your teeth with a brush or a thin strip to ensure the product reaches every corner of your teeth. However, if the dot is buried within a molar or in-between your teeth, a whitening strip might not reach the site to remove it.

Please be cautious and consider the ingredients when using these products. Many tooth-bleaching strips containing peroxide instruct you to apply them once or twice daily for 10–14 days. Using them more often than recommended may increase the chances of tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage.

Important!

Home remedies can be abrasive and sometimes scratch tooth enamel, making it more prone to staining. Please consult a dental professional for advice before trying home remedies or over-the-counter products.

Final Thoughts

A black spot on a tooth may be a cavity that requires professional dental treatment. However, it may be a dental stain that has formed as a tiny dark mark. They can appear in many locations: on the side of a tooth, near the gum, inside a molar, or sometimes even on top of a filling. When a black spot such as this appears but no pain is present, staining is a plausible cause.

The best approach to removing a stain will depend on its severity and your preferences. A dentist may remove it professionally if you wish. However, if you're willing to be patient, these home remedies are inexpensive and can work well when used responsibly.

Sources and Further Reading

Whitening | American Dental Association
Teeth whitening products contain bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) that break stains into smaller pieces to make your teeth brighter.
An Overview of Tooth Discoloration: Extrinsic, Intrinsic and Internalized Stains
The causes of tooth discoloration are varied and complex but are usually classified as being either intrinsic, extrinsic or internalized in nature.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.