What are those black lines on my teeth?

White, perfectly aligned teeth are among the most essential requirements of a charming smile. Unfortunately, teeth stains and the appearance of black lines on the teeth can seriously affect one’s smile and personality. Research has shown that over 20% of the population is affected by these black stains and lines. 

What causes a black line on my gums?

There are several reasons for having black lines on the teeth. Some of these are:

• Poor Oral Hygiene – the foremost cause is poor oral hygiene which leads to plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. Over time, these tartar-affected teeth develop black stains and lines. 

• Gastric Acid Reflux – reflux of gastric acid can cause micro-cracks to develop on the inner surfaces of the teeth. These cracks get stained over time and appear as black lines. 

• Tea, Coffee, and Tobacco – people who excessively drink coffee or tea, or use tobacco products also develop black lines on their teeth. 

• Teeth Cracks – sometimes, cracks can appear on the teeth, either because of excessive grinding, trauma, or due to age. These cracks get stains and cause black lines to appear on the teeth. 

How can I treat a black line on my gums?

Lines or stains can appear on the gums due to various reasons. The foremost cause among them is the pigmentation of the gums. Gum pigmentation can occur due to various reasons, such as underlying gum disease and the use of various filling materials such as silver amalgam fillings.

The management of black gum lines is done by treating the underlying cause. In most cases, a gum bleaching procedure is effective in reducing the shade of the gums.

Do black lines on teeth mean cavities?

Black lines on the teeth could also mean tooth decay. This is because a decayed tooth develops cavities over time that can get stained due to plaque and tartar deposition. You might have seen people with teeth cavities that have turned black. This is because of tooth decay. 

What Is the black stuff between teeth?

If you look in the mirror and observe black stuff between your teeth, it is most likely dental plaque or tartar. The reason for the appearance of black stuff between the teeth is poor oral hygiene.

When regular brushing and flossing are ignored, food debris adheres between the teeth in the form of plaque. Over time, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar. With time, dental tartar gets stained and appears like black stuff between the teeth. 

How do I get rid of a small black spot on my molar teeth?

A black spot on one of your molar (back) teeth could mean tooth decay. The best solution for this is to remove the damaged tooth portion and replace it with a suitable, tooth-coloured filling material. Dentists routinely use composite bonding for aesthetically restoring teeth that have black spots. On the other hand, if the black spot is very large, the tooth may likely become fragile after removing the damaged portion. In these cases, dentists reinforce such teeth with tooth-coloured dental crowns. 

Is there anyway to fix black triangles in my teeth?

Black triangles can appear on the teeth due to various reasons. For example, gum recession due to periodontal disease can create space between the teeth, resulting in the appearance of black triangles. Similarly, poor oral hygiene can also cause black triangles to appear between the teeth. 

Does teeth whitening fix black lines?

Teeth whitening is an effective option for removing black stains and lines from the teeth. However, teeth whitening is effective if the stains are extrinsic, meaning that the stains have formed on the tooth enamel. 

If the stains have developed inside the tooth, another whitening procedure called internal teeth whitening may be needed to restore optimal dental aesthetics. 

Can cosmetic dentistry treat black lines?

Dentists/dental hygienists have several treatment options available to treat black lines and stains on the teeth. Some of these are:

• Teeth Whitening –teeth whitening is a procedure in which teeth stains are removed by using a powerful yet safe bleaching agent. This procedure is effective in removing surface black stains and lines. (can be performed by a dental hygienists)

• Professional Cleaning of Teeth – professional and cosmetic cleaning of teeth, also called scaling and polishing helps eliminate stained plaque and tartar deposits and restore optimal gum health. (can be performed by dental hygienist)

• Cosmetic Bonding – cosmetic bonding involves restoring crooked and stained teeth with a tooth-coloured filling material. Bonding is one of the most effective options for treating black teeth lines. (performed by dentist)

• Porcelain Veneers and Crowns – tooth-coloured porcelain vaneers are an excellent option for cosmetically masking teeth stains and lines. These options are effective when black teeth stains or lines are not removable with professional teeth whitening treatment. (performed by dentist)