Why is the bottom of my tooth black?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 21, 2026
Poor oral hygiene
Why is the base of my tooth black?
When tartar reaches below the gum line, referred to as subgingival tartar, it tears into the blood vessels located within the gum. When blood pigmentation and proteins mix with tartar, they turn it black.
How do I get rid of the black at the bottom of my teeth?
These include:
- Professional teeth whitening treatments.
- Dental prophylaxis or polishing with an abrasive substance.
- At-home teeth whitening products.
- Dental bonding, veneers, or a dental crown to cover the tooth discoloration.
Does black on tooth mean cavity?
Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. A hole in the tooth's protective layer sometimes shows as a black dot.
Can a black tooth be saved?
How can black teeth be treated? A person cannot usually remedy black teeth even with the best at-home care. Instead, black teeth require the attention of a dental professional. A dentist will examine your teeth, determine the underlying causes of your black teeth, and recommend treatments.
35 related questions foundDoes a black tooth need to be removed?
Treatment for a Darkening Tooth
If your tooth is not decayed or infected and there is no other diagnosis for it, a cosmetic dentist can conceal the darkness with a porcelain veneer or composite bonding. An otherwise healthy tooth would not require extraction and a dental implant.
What does a rotten tooth look like?
If the process of tooth decay is allowed to continue, enamel will break down further. You may notice that a white spot on a tooth darkens to a brownish color. As enamel is weakened, small holes in your teeth called cavities, or dental caries, can form. Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist.
How long can you leave cavities untreated?
Like most ailments, the longer you leave a cavity without treatment, the worse it's going to get. In a span of 3-6 months cavities can reach the nerve of your tooth. That's not good.
How do I stop my teeth from rotting?
Prevention
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking. ...
- Rinse your mouth. ...
- Visit your dentist regularly. ...
- Consider dental sealants. ...
- Drink some tap water. ...
- Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. ...
- Eat tooth-healthy foods. ...
- Consider fluoride treatments.
What color is tooth decay?
Generally speaking, a dental cavity (also called tooth decay) can range in color from white to brown and eventually black as the cavity continues to grow.
Can you remove black tartar yourself?
The acetic acid in white vinegar has antibacterial properties and promotes demineralization of tooth enamel, making it effective in removing tartar and plaque. Add half a teaspoon of salt to half a cup of water and add two teaspoons of white vinegar to it. Stir it well and gargle the mixture twice a day.
How can I remove black tartar from my teeth at home?
Baking soda can help soften tartar's structure and neutralize bacterial acid. All you need to do is mix a teaspoon of baking soda in your toothpaste solution. Apply the mixture to your teeth and let it stay for at least 15 minutes. After said time, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
Does a black tooth hurt?
A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. Pain is another possible symptom.
What is the black line around my tooth?
These black lines on teeth are actually just a form of tartar, also called dental calculus. Tartar forms when oral plaque absorbs minerals from the saliva and essentially becomes fossilized. This buildup won't be removed by brushing or other home hygiene procedures.
Can rotten teeth be fixed?
Your dentist can replace the rotten tooth with an implant or dental bridge. Or, if you need an entire set of upper or lower teeth, dentures are also an option. Your dentist can discuss the pros and cons of each treatment plan before you move forward but don't wait too long.
Can rotten teeth make you sick?
Can a bad tooth make you sick? The short answer is yes, eventually. Poor oral health allows bacteria to build up in your mouth and potentially cause infections. An infection in the tooth is called an abscess, and if left untreated, it can have serious consequences.
Why is my tooth turning GREY?
When a single tooth changes to become grey in color, you may have a condition known as a necrotic pulp. The pulp is the collection of nerves and blood vessels residing within the hollow chamber of each tooth. It is this pulp tissue that “dies” and most often causes color changes.
What happens if you don't get a rotten tooth pulled?
When a tooth starts decaying, your mouth becomes vulnerable to bacteria and infections. If your blood vessels or nerves become infected, you could be at risk for an abscess—a pocket of pus that can cause a whole range of symptoms, such as: Aches that radiate throughout your jawbone, ear, or neck.
Can you brush away a cavity?
They occur when bacteria from food sits in between the teeth and if not removed with flossing, the bacteria will slowly start to eat away at the tooth and cause decay, or, a cavity. Unfortunately, once a cavity is fully formed, it is nearly impossible to simply brush and make it go away.
Can brushing get rid of cavities?
Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.
Will a rotten tooth eventually fall out?
If a tooth dies or becomes rotten with decay, you should visit your dentist ASAP. The sooner a patient sees a dentist, the chances increase that a root canal can save a rotten tooth. So, yes a rotten tooth will eventually fall out, but a patient should not wait until it does.
Why are my teeth suddenly deteriorating?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is always on your teeth. Sugar in the food you eat and drink and the bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel. Because the plaque is sticky, it keeps the acid on your enamel and causing it to break down. Then cavities start forming.
How do you know if your teeth are infected?
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting.
- Fever.
- Swelling in your face or cheek.
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck.
How do you know if your tooth is dying?
A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. If you experience any symptoms of a dying tooth, it's important to see your dentist right away.
What does it feel like when a tooth is dying?
A tooth that is dead or dying can lead to a varying level of pain, from almost non-existent to extremely painful. The dying nerve or an infection usually causes an increase in pain. Some people wonder why they experience pain if the nerve is dead.