Gaps between teeth can get bigger due to various reasons of which the most frequently-seen are periodontitis, sparse teeth and cavities. However, an alert must be raised if the gaps turn black or give out odor.

What are the black stains between teeth? Not a few people become worried after seeing the interdental area turn black. Is that a sign of cavity or other dental issues? Let’s get a detailed view of this issue below.

What are the black stains between teeth?

In general, there are two causes of such problem:

1. Pigment Accumulation: food debris or pigment accumulates between the teeth due to improper tooth brushing and poor oral hygiene technique, lack of flossing or other supplementary cleaning practices, or consumption of too much dark colored food.

In this case, the stains can be removed by tooth brushing and flossing between the teeth. If those practices failed, you’re suggested to go through a tooth cleaning at the dental hospital, in order to avoid dark teeth spoiling your appearance. Accumulated pigment can always be removed by a professional cleaning.

2. Cavities: this is common, though different from the former. Cavities not only change the color of the teeth, but also slightly chip the teeth. A dentist can tell if the black stains on the teeth are a sign of cavities.

In this case, the teeth must have been decayed inside, thus the black stains show up outward. Normally dental fillings can fix this issue, especially when the situation is not serious. If the decay goes deep into the pulp, then a root canal treatment is required.

Is it necessary to treat the black stains between teeth with dental fillings? It depends!

If the black stains are caused by cavities, then dental fillings are necessary. If the culprit is not cavities, but pigment accumulation or food debris, then dental filling is not necessary, as the stains can be removed by tooth brushing, flossing and tooth cleaning.

How to fill the teeth depends on the severity of the tooth decay. When you find black stains between teeth, you’re suggested to take action immediately. Don’t postpone the dental visit till the black stains grow larger and larger, and trigger pain. By then the situation may be much worse.