You may have noticed black lines on your teeth, generally along the gum line or along the crevices of your teeth. These lines are generally caused by accumulation of tartar. These thin black lines when present on the front teeth give an unflattering appearance.
Black lines on teeth can present in many ways, they can be like small dots or triangles on the top surface of the teeth, sometimes present between teeth, sometimes along the gum lines or on surfaces of crowns or in vertical forms. These different presentations are related to different causes.
Let us now look at some causes of black lines on tooth surfaces.
Black marks or lines on the tooth surface are related to many causes. It is important to understand these in order to take optimum care of one’s teeth. It is recommended to visit a dentist every six months, so that they may identify any black lines and suggest necessary precautions and treatments.
The most common cause of black lines on teeth is poor oral hygiene. This is because inadequate brushing and flossing habits leads to the accumulation of plaque, which is a layer of bacterial film. When calcified, plaque appears as black and dark lines, close to the gum line. This is difficult to remove by toothbrushing and requires a dental visit for complete removal. If allowed to accumulate, it can cause a number of gum diseases and loss of teeth.
Smoking causes many changes in oral health along with systemic health changes. It causes yellowing of teeth, and appearance of black lines along the gums.These lines are a result of tar and nicotine in the cigarette which stain teeth, harm the enamel and weaken the gums. All in all, it makes the teeth and gums weaker.
Both intake and frequency of sugar, sugary food and drinks can lead to a variety of dental issues including black lines on teeth. Sugar causes acid production leading to enamel erosion and staining over time.
Coffee, tea and wine stick to teeth. Increased consumption of these beverages causes diffuse black lines on tooth surfaces. These black lines can only be removed by scaling and polishing once formed.
Certain antibiotics like tetracyclines can cause staining of teeth as well. Especially if taken by children under the age of eight. Most of these stains are intrinsic and cannot be removed.
Once the black lines start forming on tooth surfaces, they must be removed to maintain oral health. Black lines, commonly known as stains and calculus are removed by dentists, by a treatment called scaling and polishing. Scaling using ultrasonic waves with water to wash away the stains and the tartar buildup, polishing ensures a smooth tooth surface to further reduce the accumulation post treatment.
If the lines are formed due to medications, they must be removed by teeth bleaching treatments or by veneers. For better guidance, it is important to consult your dentist about black lines on teeth at the earliest.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first and the most important step in reducing and preventing black line formation on teeth surfaces. Brushing twice daily, using a fluoridated toothpaste is very beneficial in maintaining oral hygiene and health. Flossing regularly prevents accumulation of debris and staining between the teeth and around the gums.
Reducing the consumption of sugar and sugar containing foods and drinks reduces tooth decay and plaque buildup. This reduces formation of tartar, stains and also the chances of cavities.
It is also important to rinse after meals and reduce consumption of colored beverages like coffee, tea and wine.
Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in protein and calcium also help make teeth and gums stronger.
As we mentioned earlier, smoking causes black lines on teeth. It also leads to a number of gum diseases. Quitting smoking is important to maintain good oral health.
Your dentist can help you in the cessation of smoking if you are keen on doing so.
A visit to your dentist every six months helps in maintaining oral health. Any dental issue can be identified at the earliest and treated by the dentist at the right time.
Like other health conditions, preventing oral diseases is also of the same importance. Taking care of your teeth not only prevents a number of oral diseases but systemic diseases as well. Black lines on teeth need to be removed professionally to prevent tooth loss and gum disease. It is also of importance to carry out preventive measures like brushing twice daily, regulating diet, reducing smoking and regular dental visits to ensure an optimum oral health.
Noticing black lines on your teeth? It’s time to visit Dhriti Dental, recognized as the best dentist in Hyderabad. We provide comprehensive dental care, including scaling, polishing, braces, aligners, veneers, bleaching, implants, root canals, dentures, and more.