Tooth Turning Black: Warning Signs & What to Do Now

　　Spotting a tooth turning black can be alarming. Sometimes it’s a harmless surface stain. Other times, it’s your body sounding an alarm about decay, infection, or trauma. The good news: when you act quickly, most causes are treatable and you can protect your smile and overall health. Here’s how to read the signs, what to do right now, and how to prevent it from happening again.

　　Why a tooth might turn black

　　- Surface staining: Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and some mouthwashes can leave dark stains. Hardened plaque (tartar) can also look brown to black, especially near the gumline.

　　- Tooth decay: A cavity can start as a brown spot and progress to a black hole as the enamel and dentin break down.

　　- Dead or dying tooth (pulp necrosis): After a hard hit or untreated decay, the nerve can die and pigments from inside the tooth darken it from within.

　　- Old restorations: Silver-colored fillings (amalgam) can cast a gray or black hue in the surrounding tooth over time.

　　- Gum disease: Inflammation plus tartar below the gumline can make the edge of the tooth look dark and contribute to bad breath and bleeding.

　　- Internal staining: Certain medications, previous root canal treatment, or internal bleeding from trauma can discolor a tooth even if the outside looks intact.

　　Warning signs to take seriously

　　- A tooth that suddenly darkens, especially after a fall or blow

　　- Persistent toothache, throbbing, or pain when biting

　　- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets that lingers

　　- A visible black hole or deep pit

　　- Swollen gums, a pimple on the gum, bad taste, or pus

　　- Bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing

　　- Fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing (seek urgent care)

　　What to do now

　　- Call your dentist. Early diagnosis is the best way to save a tooth and avoid complications.

　　- Note your symptoms. When did the color change start? Is there pain, sensitivity, or swelling? A quick photo can help your dentist see the progression.

　　- If trauma occurred, rinse gently with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If a piece broke off, keep it moist in milk or saline and bring it to your appointment.

　　- Keep the area clean. Use a soft-bristled brush and floss carefully around the tooth. Don’t avoid cleaning out of fear—you’ll reduce bacteria and inflammation.

　　At-home dos and don’ts while you wait

　　Dos:

　　- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste; floss once a day

　　- Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe irritated gums

　　- Use dental wax to cover sharp edges on a chipped tooth

　　- Stick to soft foods if biting hurts, and drink plenty of water

　　Don’ts:

　　- Don’t scrape at the black area—tartar and decayed enamel can be pushed under the gums or damaged further

　　- Don’t use abrasive powders or charcoal on a painful or sensitive tooth

　　- Don’t apply whitening strips to a tooth that hurts or looks decayed

　　- Don’t self-medicate with leftover antibiotics; they won’t fix the cause and can mask symptoms

　　What your dentist may do

　　- Comprehensive exam and X-rays: To check the extent of decay, infection, or internal discoloration

　　- Professional cleaning: Removes tartar and surface stains you can’t brush off

　　- Filling or onlay: For cavities caught early, restoring color and function

　　- Root canal therapy: If the nerve is infected or dead, this removes bacteria and preserves the tooth; internal bleaching or a crown may be used to improve color afterward

　　- Gum therapy: Deep cleaning (scaling/root planing) to treat periodontal disease that makes teeth look dark near the gums

　　- Restoration updates: Replacing failing or discolored restorations that contribute to the dark appearance

　　- Cosmetic options: Internal bleaching, bonding, veneers, or crowns for intrinsic discoloration after medical causes are treated

　　Can a black tooth go back to white?

　　It depends on the cause. Surface stains and tartar respond well to professional cleaning and polishing. Decay can be treated and the tooth restored with tooth-colored materials. A tooth that has died often needs a root canal first; once healthy, your dentist can lighten it internally or restore it with a veneer or crown for a natural look.

　　Is whitening a solution?

　　Whitening can brighten external stains on healthy teeth, but it won’t fix decay, infection, or deep internal discoloration. Using bleaching products on a tooth with untreated cavities or gum disease can worsen sensitivity and delay proper care. Always get an exam before whitening if a tooth looks black or feels off.

　　What about children’s teeth?

　　Baby teeth can darken after minor bumps as blood pigments seep into the enamel. Even if your child isn’t in pain, schedule a dental visit to rule out infection and protect the developing adult tooth. If there’s pain, swelling, or fever, seek care promptly.

　　Prevention tips that work

　　- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush; replace your brush every 3–4 months

　　- Floss or use interdental cleaners daily to disrupt plaque between teeth

　　- See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings

　　- Limit frequent sipping of sugary or acidic drinks; rinse with water after coffee, tea, or wine

　　- Quit smoking or vaping to cut staining and gum disease risk

　　- Wear a mouthguard during sports to prevent trauma

　　- Treat small cavities and gum inflammation early—problems are easier and more predictable to fix when caught soon

　　Bottom line: A tooth turning black is a sign you shouldn’t ignore. Whether it’s a simple stain or something more serious like decay or a dying nerve, timely professional care can stop the damage, relieve symptoms, and restore a healthy, confident smile.