Noticing brown or black spots on your teeth can be unsettling—but it’s actually very common. Tooth discoloration can show up as dots, streaks, or blotches, and the causes range from harmless surface stains to serious issues like cavities. While some spots are purely cosmetic, others may be an early warning sign of tooth decay, gum disease, or enamel damage.
At Dental Depot, we’re here to help you understand what’s behind those spots, how to treat them, and most importantly, how to prevent them from coming back.
The most common cause of tooth spots is staining from dark foods and drinks like coffee, tea, soda, red wine, and berries. Tobacco use is another major culprit. These stains affect only the outer layer of enamel and can usually be treated with professional whitening, bonding, or veneers.
Treatment for intrinsic stains may involve crowns, veneers, bonding, or root canal therapy, depending on the severity.
Spots caused by tooth decay often start small but darken over time as enamel weakens and dentin is exposed. Unlike simple stains, these require restorative dental treatment such as fillings, inlays, onlays, or root canals.
When plaque hardens into tartar, it can leave yellow, brown, or even black deposits along the gumline. Tartar cannot be removed at home—a professional dental cleaning is necessary.
In children, consuming too much fluoride while teeth are developing can lead to fluorosis, which appears as white streaks, pits, or brown discoloration, especially on back molars.
Some individuals with celiac disease experience weak or underdeveloped enamel, which can cause teeth to appear translucent or develop white, yellow, or brown spots.
As we age, enamel thins and the yellow dentin beneath becomes more visible, causing dark spots or overall tooth discoloration.
Yes—but the right treatment depends on the cause.
The first step is always a dental exam, so your dentist can identify what’s causing the discoloration and recommend the best treatment.
Preventive care not only protects against stains but also helps catch cavities and gum disease before they become serious.
With multiple locations across Oklahoma, flexible scheduling, and Saturday appointments, we make it simple to get the dental care you need. Our staff includes experienced general dentists, hygienists, orthodontists, and specialists, all working together under one roof.
