Nobody hates having a picture-perfect smile. It enhances your confidence and adds to your charm. But even a hint of stain or discoloration has the tendency to make your smile less attractive. Aesthetics is not all you should be concerned about, as these discolored spots can also indicate the need for a visit to the dental office. So if you’ve noticed a brown spot on your tooth, keep reading to know the common causes.
What Does the Brown Spot on My Tooth Mean?
Usually, brown spots signify poor oral hygiene. But they are also a symptom of health conditions like celiac disease. Here are some common culprits behind the brown spot on your tooth:
1. Food & Beverages
Some foods and beverages can leave discolored spots on your teeth. Hence, any food or beverage you had may leave behind a brown, grey, yellow, or black spot. Red wine, coffee, and tea are some drinks that many of us love, but they come at the cost of tooth stains. Moreover, lovers of blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates are not safe from tooth discoloration either. Apart from these, other foods or drinks are also responsible for staining our teeth.
2. Nicotine
Consumers of nicotine are also susceptible to developing dark spots on their teeth. These discolored spots emerge after your teeth are exposed to tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco.
3. Tooth Decay
It is wise to visit your dentist after you spot a brown mark on your tooth, as it might indicate decay. Tooth decay only gets worse with time if left untreated. Therefore, the earlier you notice and treat these tooth stains, the better.
4. Tartar
The plaque that forms on your tooth’s surface doesn’t only erode the enamel. It sometimes hardens into tartar, which only a dentist can remove. Not to forget, tartar forms along your gum line and can take a yellow or brown appearance.
5. Enamel Hypoplasia
Some people don’t have sufficient tooth enamel due to genetic or environmental factors, resulting in a condition called enamel hypoplasia. If you have this condition, you might detect a yellow or brown spot on your tooth with a rough texture. Some causes of enamel hypoplasia include:
- Vitamin deficiency
- Malnutrition during pregnancy
- Maternal illness
- Toxin exposure
6. Trauma
Trauma to the tooth is also a possible culprit of a dark spot on the tooth. This is because trauma damages the nerve of your tooth, causing a brown spot or turning it brown completely.
7. Celiac Disease
Children are more vulnerable to forming brown spots on teeth due to celiac disease, but adults can get them too. This medical condition can damage the tooth enamel, which forms defects.
What Should I Do?
Simply put, that brown spot on your tooth can signify multiple factors. Causes range from a mere food stain to a symptom of tooth decay, among many things. Thus, don’t assume it will go away on its own, and visit your dentist for the necessary treatment. Our team at Champions Dental can help you fix your smile; dial (281) 866-0442.