Let’s face it: everyone wants the picture-perfect smile! Imagine having smooth white teeth, smiling confidently, but suddenly you gasp — what is that brown spot on your tooth? Even a minor stain can ruin the appearance of your teeth. But luckily for you, you can say goodbye to tooth discoloration with the help of dental treatments!
In this blog, we will discuss why you have a brown spot on your tooth and what you should do about it.
Reasons Behind Brown Spot on Your Tooth
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of a brown spot on the tooth. But there are other factors that may leave discolored marks on the surface of your teeth, such as:
1. Foods & Beverages
Some foods and drinks you love so much could be responsible for the brown spots on your teeth. Coffee, red wine, cola, tea, berries, beet juice, pomegranates, and many other items might discolor your teeth, especially if you consume them often. You can opt for professional teeth whitening to fix your smile. As for stubborn stains, dental veneers work perfectly!
2. Tooth Decay
When you eat or drink something sugary, the plaque bacteria reacts with the sugar and produces harmful acid that slowly starts to erode the dental enamel. Over time, it leads to tooth decay, with brown spots forming on the teeth. You can avoid this by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as attending your regular dental cleanings.
3. Tartar
Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to stay on your teeth. Or, perhaps, plaque sticks to the enamel in hard-to-reach places. Whatever the cause, plaque hardens into tartar, which is yellow or brown in color. Usually, it forms along the gum line and needs to be professionally removed by a dentist before any complications take place.
4. Fluorosis
While fluoride is an essential mineral for our dental health, overexposure can lead to dental fluorosis. It may start as white spots or streaks on the teeth, turning brown with tin.
5. Enamel Hypoplasia
The brown spot on the tooth could indicate enamel hypoplasia, a condition in which teeth do not have sufficient enamel. Factors such as malnutrition during pregnancy, exposure to toxins, and maternal illness may cause this issue. A dental specialist can help you combat enamel hypoplasia.
6. Root Canal
A brown spot on your tooth might just be a telltale sign that you need a root canal. When the nerve inside the tooth is damaged or dead, the root darkens and discolors the tooth as well. It is possible that the tooth will remain brown even after the endodontic treatment, and you may need a dental crown.
7. An Old Dental Work
Your tooth may have discoloration due to old silver, white, or metal fillings. White fillings may be affected by surface stains, such as a brown spot on the tooth. Hence, any old dental work can look like it is discolored over time.
What Should I Do?
Many factors can result in a brown spot on your tooth, including decay, tartar, old dental work, dead tooth nerves, and more. You can visit Hermosa Dental to get rid of the tooth stains and smile confidently!
To schedule an appointment with us, dial:
- E. Little York (713) 695-3400
- Highway 6 (832) 427-1797
- Porter (281) 747-7004
- Tomball (832) 328-5651