A dark staining along the tooth’s gum line may indicate that there is a problem with your dental health that needs to be addressed. From the normal buildup of hardened plaque to possibly more serious problems like tooth decay or gum disease, this seemingly little change can really be a visual clue of a number of underlying reasons. Let’s find out the culprit behind why your teeth turn brown at the gum line.
Causes of Brown Teeth Stains
There might be several reasons why your teeth have begun to discolor between two teeth or become brown at the gum line. While some of these are harmless, others could be really concerning. However, poor oral hygiene is the main cause of all of this.
Here are a few common causes of brown stains at the gum line:
Tartar Buildup
This is the most common cause of brownness at the gum line. Plaque is a sticky layer of germs continuously accumulating on your teeth, eventually solidifying into tartar if it is not routinely eliminated by brushing and flossing. Stains from food, beverages, and tobacco are easily absorbed by tartar, which is porous and frequently manifests as a brown or yellowish-brown line along the gums.
Tooth Decay
Tooth enamel, the strong outer covering of your teeth, is crucial for preventing tooth decay. Unfortunately, bacteria produce acid that tears down the protective enamel on our teeth when plaque isn’t consistently brushed off after eating sugary meals. This can result in a variety of dental problems, including cavities and dark stains.
Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the main causes of dark stains on teeth, especially at the gum line. The sticky tar and nicotine included in tobacco products can readily bond to tooth surfaces, leaving behind discoloration that is difficult to get rid of.
Gum Disease
Sometimes, gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can make the gum tissue look redder or even a little browner. Therefore, the reason your teeth look dark and unattractive is only the yellow-brown tartar that has developed along the gums. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that causes gum recession. Gum recession may reveal the tooth’s root surface, which is inherently more yellow or brown than the enamel.
Medications
A variety of drugs, particularly liquid ones, can discolor and darken the spaces between your teeth. For instance, a medicated rinse may be necessary to treat conditions like gum disease, which may result in dark spots. Examine the new drugs you have been taking if you have just recently noticed that your teeth are becoming brown in between. Usually, significant discoloration happens two weeks after usage.
Age
The outer layer of tooth enamel naturally thins with age, exposing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. This thinning may be more noticeable at the gum line.
Final Say!
Any problem with your smile can affect your self-esteem, and teeth turning brown at the gum line is a much more serious problem than aesthetics. It can be caused by tartar buildup, which eventually leads to gum disease.
So, if you’re going through a similar problem, consult our experts at Smile Time Dental Houston. Call us at (281) 245-0711 to book your appointment.