Why are my teeth turning brown near the gums?
Tooth decay and cavities can look like brown stains, and when plaque hardens, it forms a yellow or brown substance called tartar, which lies along the gum line. Your dentist can fill cavities and he can clean away tartar with special tools, but the problem returns if your oral health care doesn’t improve.
How do I get rid of the brown on my gum line?
The following home remedies can eliminate stains caused by foods, drinks, or lifestyle habits such as smoking:
- Brush the teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water every few days.
- Rinse the mouth with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution every day or every few days. Always rinse the mouth with water afterward.
Does tartar make teeth brown?
Tartar, also called dental calculus, is a yellow or brown colored deposit that forms when plaque hardens on your teeth. Because tartar buildup on teeth is strongly bonded to the tooth enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.
Are brown spots on teeth always cavities?
Dark spots on our teeth need not always be cavities. Naturally occurring dark spots caused by staining of the teeth are a common condition that very often goes undetected. Tooth discoloration is usually present in the very small pits and ridges on the surface of human teeth.
Is tartar build up normal?
Everyone has plaque, but tartar is another story. Having plaque on your teeth is completely normal. As we eat and breathe, bacteria form in the mouth and create this substance. However, it is only when we fail to remove plaque that it turns into tartar. This is when oral health and cosmetic issues begin to take hold.
Can dentists remove tartar?
Your dental professional, a dentist or hygienist, will use a metal scaler to remove tartar from your mouth. For most patients who go to regular dental visits every six months or so, this is a sufficient treatment to remove the tartar buildup.
What happens if tartar is not removed?
It is essentially a sticky layer of different types of bacteria which will end up causing tooth decay and gum disease. The exact type of bacteria will differ from person to person. If not removed, the tartar will eventually become calcified, which is to say it will harden into a brittle layer.
How long does it take for tartar to damage teeth?
But, when plaque is not regularly removed, it can assemble minerals from the saliva and harden into a brownish or yellow substance called tartar. Tartar builds up along the gum line, on the front and back of our teeth. It takes 24 to 72 hours for accumulated dental plaque to harden into tartar.
How can you tell if its a cavity or stain?
The brown, black, or grey spot on the teeth is a sign of a cavity, while the discoloration of teeth is a stain. A stain is a result of drinks and food and is not sticky. However, the cavity damages the teeth. It provides an ideal environment for bacteria and plaque to grow in the teeth, destroying them.
What dies tartar look like on teeth?
Tartar is usually yellow-brown in color and forms when plaque, which is colorless, remains uncleaned from teeth for an extended period of time.