Why Is My Tooth Brown Near My Gums? | Triangle Dentistry (2024)

Are you noticing discoloration along the gum line of one or more of your teeth? Brown spots on gums near a tooth can be an indication that something is amiss with the health of your mouth. It’s important to stay informed about what could be causing those brown spots – and, most importantly, what you should do if they appear or increase in size or intensity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why it can happen and how to treat it so you can keep worrying at bay (and enjoy a healthy smile).

What causes brown teeth stains?

Nicotine

Unsightly discoloration on your teeth can be caused by smoking, or even simply drinking and eating certain items. Nicotine in tobacco is notorious for creating brown and yellow stains with both smoking and chewing.

Food and Drinks

Did you know that coffee, tea and other dark-colored beverages can potentially lead to discoloration of teeth? Even certain types of food like berries can cause staining if consumed too frequently.

Age

As you age, your teeth can naturally become darker and more yellow due to a thinning of the enamel. This is why dentists often recommend regular professional cleanings, as they can help remove the deposits that cause discoloration over time.

Tooth Decay

The hard outer layer of your teeth, known as tooth enamel, is essential in protecting our teeth from decay. Unfortunately, when plaque isn’t regularly brushed off the surface of our teeth after consuming foods containing sugar – bacteria produce acid which breaks down the protective enamel leading to a host of dental issues such as brown stains and cavities. Tooth decay can range from slight to severe if left untreated; its prevalence being one of the most common causes for brown spots on teeth according to trusted sources.

Trauma

Trauma to your mouth may cause irreparable harm to the nerve inside a tooth, leading to discoloration such as brown spots or even full-on darkening of the affected teeth.

What should I do if my tooth is brown near my gums?

If you are experiencing any type of discoloration or staining near your gums, the best thing to do is visit a dentist for professional help. Your dentist will be able to determine the cause of the discoloration and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for brown tooth stains. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend one of the following:

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular and effective treatment for discoloration caused by dark beverages or nicotine use. Teeth whitening at the dentist is far more effective than at home teeth whitening kits.

Crowns/Bonding

If discoloration is caused by trauma or tooth decay, your dentist may suggest placing a dental crown over the affected tooth to cover up any unsightly discolorations. You can also opt for bonding, which involves applying a tooth-colored composite material to the affected area.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is another option for discoloration caused by plaque buildup. This involves scraping off the stains, tartar and plaque that have built up on your teeth and gums in order to restore a healthier appearance.

Conclusion

Achieving a brighter, whiter smile is simple when you make brushing and flossing twice daily part of your dental routine. Always brush directly after consuming drinks or foods that can potentially stain the teeth. Nevertheless, if stains persist even after a rigorous oral care regimen at home, then it’s best to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist for an in-depth professional cleaning which will help remove unsightly discoloration from the surfaces of your precious pearly whites.

The solution for brown teeth in Raleigh

If you have noticed lingering brown spots on your teeth that won’t go away after brushing or flossing, it’s time to contact Triangle Dentistry. Our experienced team will carefully examine the situation and ask all the important questions in order to ascertain potential causes. Don’t let your dental health suffer – get help from our reliable professionals today.

Browning between teeth may appear to be a superficial issue, but it is possible that there are more pressing dental issues involved. Don’t put off the help you need – contact our office today for an appointment and let us assist with your oral health.

Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000

Why Is My Tooth Brown Near My Gums? | Triangle Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Why Is My Tooth Brown Near My Gums? | Triangle Dentistry? ›

Tooth Decay

Why are my teeth brown near the gums? ›

You may wonder, “Why are my teeth turning brown at the gum line?” This may be due to tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque that forms along the gumline. It can cause your teeth to rot as well as cause gum disease. A professional must remove tartar.

Why is the color of my tooth at the gum line dark? ›

When plaque stays on the teeth, it hardens and becomes tartar. Your tartar can turn black when it remains untreated, creating black stains along the gumline. Cavities can also cause black spots on and between your teeth, while black tartar is typically along the bottom of the teeth by your gums.

Why is one tooth turning brown? ›

Exposure to certain environmental factors — like some foods and beverages — causes extrinsically discolored teeth. Intrinsic discoloration: This type of discoloration starts inside your tooth and affects your dentin (the layer underneath your enamel). Causes include dental trauma and certain medications.

Why is my tooth decaying at the gum line? ›

Gum Line cavities are caused by the same factors that contribute to other types of cavities: bacteria, sugar, and excess plaque. When the bacteria in your mouth consume sugars from the meals you eat, they produce acid that attacks your teeth.

What is brown around teeth? ›

Tartar Buildup

The tartar itself is porous and is highly susceptible to discoloration and staining. Foods, beverages, and other factors can turn it a noticeable brown color as a result. The buildup of tartar on and between teeth is often the result of a lack of brushing and flossing on a regular basis.

What does a dead tooth look like? ›

If the tooth is dead, it will often get darker in color, and a person may notice a yellow, gray, or black discoloration. A change in color usually occurs because the red blood cells are dying. This is a very similar effect to bruising.

How do I get rid of the brown on my gum line? ›

All forms of tartar, no matter the color, should only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist. The cleaning process your dentist will undertake is known as scaling and root planing, where black tartar is scraped off above and below the gum line.

Why are my teeth turning GREY near my gums? ›

Not taking proper care of your teeth can result in severe problems, which include grey stains on teeth near gums. In addition, gum diseases such as gingivitis can also cause gray teeth. So, taking care of dental hygiene at home and getting routine checkups with the dentist is essential.

What is trench mouth? ›

Trench mouth is a painful form of gum swelling (gingivitis). The mouth normally contains a balance of different bacteria. Trench mouth occurs when there is too much pathologic bacteria. The gums become infected and develop painful ulcers. Viruses may be involved in allowing the bacteria to grow too much.

Is a brown tooth dead? ›

A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. If you experience any symptoms of a dying tooth, it's important to see your dentist right away.

Is a brown tooth infected? ›

There are a few other signs of a tooth infection to keep in mind. If you're not sure, look for the following: Tooth discoloration: if parts of your tooth look brown, black, or dark yellow, you may have a tooth infection.

Can a brown tooth be saved? ›

A root canal is the only way to save a dead tooth and involves removing the pulp and cleaning the site to prevent infections. Once the pulp has been removed and the area thoroughly cleansed, a filling will be placed in the opening and the roots will be sealed. Extraction.

Can teeth rot under gums? ›

The answer is yes. However, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible so they can determine the best way to treat the cavity. If the cavity is small, the dentist may be able to remove the decay and fill the tooth.

Can cavities near the gumline be filled? ›

Yes, a tooth with decay below the gum line can often be saved if treated early and appropriately. Treatment options may include fillings, crowns, or in severe cases, a root canal. However, the success of these treatments depends on the extent of the decay and the overall health of the tooth and surrounding gums.

Will a rotten tooth eventually fall out? ›

Will a rotten adult tooth fall out? A severely decayed adult tooth can eventually fall out as the structure weakens. However, this is usually a sign of advanced dental disease, and professional treatment should be sought to address underlying issues and prevent further complications.

Can brown gums go away? ›

Just like skin, gums can bruise, leading to darker coloring that will eventually go away on its own. Blue Nevi: Essentially, these are brown or purple moles found on the gums. They're nothing to be concerned about unless they continue growing and changing color and are relatively common.

How to get rid of brown tartar on teeth? ›

Tips to Help Control Tartar
  1. Brush regularly, twice a day for 2 minutes a time. ...
  2. Studies have found that electronic, or powered, toothbrushes may get rid of plaque better than manual models. ...
  3. Choose tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. ...
  4. Floss, floss, floss. ...
  5. Rinse daily. ...
  6. Watch your diet. ...
  7. Don't smoke.
Apr 4, 2023

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