Noticing a black tooth in your mouth? Careful, it can be alarming.
You might be having a lot of questions in your mind – is it serious? What to do now? Should you go to a dentist?
While not all cases of black tooth are dental emergencies, some situations need urgent attention from a professional. Ignoring the signs can prove to be fatal in the future. Let’s see what causes a tooth to turn black, whether it is an emergency, and what your immediate steps should be.
What Causes a Tooth to Turn Black?
A black tooth does not happen overnight. Most of the time, it is a sign of an underlying issue that has developed over time.
Here are some common reasons why your teeth can turn black:
Tooth Decay
If you leave your cavity untreated, it can soon spread to the surrounding teeth. The tooth structure breaks down as the cavity penetrates deep into it and causes dark discoloration. In such cases, you often experience pain or sensitivity.
Trauma or Injury
An accidental hit to the mouth can also lead to a black tooth. The hit can damage the blood vessels inside your tooth and lead to internal bleeding. This bleeding can lead your tooth to darken over time.
Internal Bleeding or Dead Nerve
If your tooth nerve dies, your tooth can be discolored due to a lack of blood supply. It may change from white to gray and then dark brown and eventually black.
Tartar Buildup and Staining
Poor oral care is another reason to turn a tooth black. Poor oral routine means tartar buildup, and tartar turns black over a tooth.
Is a Black Tooth Always a Dental Emergency?
Not all black teeth require immediate attention, but some situations can be a dental emergency and should never be ignored.
When It’s an Emergency?
- If your tooth turns black suddenly after an injury
- You have extreme pain
- There is swelling, pus, or abscess
- A bad taste or foul odor in the mouth
- If your tooth feels loose.
What To Do If You Notice a Black Tooth?
If you spot a black tooth, taking the right steps can ensure things do not escalate to worse for you. Here’s what you should do in such situations:
- Rinse your mouth with mild salt water to clean the area.
- Gently do brushing and flossing to remove any trapped food particles. Especially near your black tooth.
- Do not chew on the affected side of your mouth. It will only worsen the pain.
- If needed, take some painkillers. But do not overdose.
- Even if you feel it is not a dental emergency, schedule a checkup soon.
A black tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue – it’s often a warning sign of decay, trauma, or infection. While not every black tooth is an emergency, some cases require urgent attention to prevent further damage. If you notice a blackened tooth, do not wait – schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause and explore treatment options.
