Natural Remedies For Black Stains On Teeth

Worried about the black stains on your teeth? Here’s everything you need to know about black stains and how to get rid of them!

Why Do I Have Black Stains On My Teeth?

Common Culprits To Blame

Black stains on your teeth are commonly caused by external factors. Some direct causes of staining include: 

Frequently eating or drinking dark food products, such as coffee.

Other food and drinks that can stain your teeth are red wine, tea, cola, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.

Taking certain medications, such as liquid iron supplements.

The exact mechanism of this process is unknown, but scientists believe that staining is caused by iron ferric salts and ferric sulfide.

Using tobacco

One study found that up to 28% of smokers reported having moderate and severe levels of tooth discolouration.

Having crowns and fillings made with silver sulfide

Many dentists choose to remove old silver sulfide fillings, which contain amalgam, and have them replaced with composite fillings .

Tartar buildup

Plaque which appears clear or yellow, is a soft film of bacteria that can be removed by brushing your teeth. If plaque buildsup and sits on your teeth for too long, it hardens and becomes tartar, which unfortunately can only be removed by a dentist.

Possible Dental Health Issues To Watch Out For

Black stains on your teeth may also be caused by internal damage. Specifically, because of decay and/or cavities. Tooth decay results in the deterioration of enamel, which is the tooth’s protective outer layer. As tooth decay progresses, it infiltrates the deeper layers of the tooth, giving rise to cavities or openings that form on the surface of the teeth.

If you have black stains on your teeth as well as any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing tooth decay and/or cavities. 

• Tooth sensitivity to sugary, hot, or cold food
• Toothache that may or may not be constant
• Bad breath
• Loose fillings
• Food frequently trapped in teeth
• Difficulty biting certain foods
• Abscesses on teeth that cause pain, facial swelling, or fever

However, take note that symptoms of tooth decay can vary depending on the severity of the damage caused, and some people in the early stages of tooth decay may feel no symptoms at all.

Nature’s Solutions: 3 Powerful Natural Remedies for Black Stains on Teeth

Don’t let black stains bother you anymore! Read on for five powerful natural remedies that have proven to effectively turn teeth whiter and brighter.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a powder that undergoes a high-temperature oxidation process, which makes it highly porous. Because of this, it is able to effectively bind with surface stains on your teeth. When the charcoal is removed, it carries away the stains, leaving your teeth cleaner and shinier.

Here’s how to use activated charcoal for teeth whitening:

1. Mix activated charcoal with warm water to form a paste. 
2. Apply the paste directly onto your teeth. Don’t rub the mixture onto your teeth, rather, dab or tap it on. 
3. Leave the activated charcoal paste on your teeth for three to five minutes. 
4. When the time is up, thoroughly rinse your mouth out and brush your teeth with your usual toothpaste. 
5. Repeat once daily for 3-5 consecutive days every 3-4 months.

You can also purchase teeth whitening products that use activated charcoal as a main ingredient. This is a much more hassle-free way to incorporate activated charcoal into your oral hygiene routine. 

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Using baking soda to whiten your teeth is one of the oldest tricks in the book. While you can use baking soda alone, it is best used in combination with hydrogen peroxide. Here’s what you should do:

Just Baking Soda

1. Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a small amount of water until paste forms.
2. Brush your teeth with this paste. Brush for no longer than 2 minutes.

Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Mix a few teaspoons of baking soda in a dish with a small amount of peroxide.
2. Start to mix the soda and peroxide with a clean spoon.
3. Keep adding a little bit more peroxide until you get a thick — but not gritty — paste.
4. Use a toothbrush to apply the paste to your teeth using small circular motions. Brush for no longer than 2 minutes.
5. Thoroughly rinse off the paste by swishing water around your mouth.

Don’t have any hydrogen peroxide onhand? You can also use baking soda with other ingredients such as salt and lemon juice.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a wonder ingredient that aside from whitening teeth, can also aid digestion, help control blood sugar levels, alleviate sunburns, make hair shinier, and maybe even play a role in weight loss!

Use this organic, all-natural tooth-whitening agent, in three easy steps:

1. Create a rinse of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water.
2. Gently swish around the mouth for about one minute.
3. After rinsing, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing teeth.

However, be warned! Apple cider vinegar is incredibly sour. While it is effective, it may not be the best tasting teeth whitening option out there. 

Nature’s Limits: When To Seek Professional Help

Unfortunately, natural remedies can only do so much. For persistent stains or if you want faster results, it is best to seek professional help.

Dental Cleaning

For severe cases, visit your local dentist. For example, if tartar is the cause of your black teeth, a dentist will need to remove the buildup with ultrasonic instruments that use vibration to break up the tartar and make it easier to remove. If there is tooth decay, a simple cleaning is not enough, and part of the tooth may have to be removed. If you have cavities, you may need fillings. 

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is more effective and time-efficient when compared to natural remedies. For the best experience, visit the top teeth whitening salon in the Philippines, The Smile Bar! Not yet convinced? Read more about The Smile Bar and see the results for yourself here!