They can be dark spots on the surface of the tooth or big, dark holes. Intrinsic causes are more to do with decay. Plaque covers the enamel of your teeth, and it starts forming about 20 minutes after a person eats food. This can reduce the appearance of white spots on teeth and make them less noticeable. cavity always? Well, not necessarily. No. Some direct causes of staining consist of: frequently consuming or drinking a dark food product, such as coffee. Dark spot. Teeth holes can be caused by a variety of factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism) and caries. Severe staining due to improper diet. You will have a less acidic colon by eating more meat. 1. Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, causing dark stains over time. Typical reasons for tooth discoloration in infants include medication usage, improper brushing, excessive sugar intake, and tooth damage. Table of Content [ show] What Are Dark Spots On Teeth That Aren’t Cavities? Let’s take a look at the types of dark spots on your teeth that aren’t cavities. If the black spot is between your teeth, on the gums, it could be due to gum disease. However, there are many other symptoms that indicate it is a cavity rather than a stain: Visible holes in the teeth. grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth. Typically, you'll see it along the gum line or on the insides of the teeth. This happens when the minerals in. Tartar buildup. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. Therefore, their appearance can be deceiving. Cavities often appear as small holes,. Black staining is a specific type of extrinsic discolouration affecting the buccal and palatal/lingual 5 surfaces of the teeth. Did you know that not all dark spots are cavities?. Tooth decay, on the other hand, is the most common cause of holes in teeth. When allowed to persist, the bacteria, sugar and acid will stick to the teeth and impact your tooth’s: Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help stop the black spot from progressing. Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. Dental Exam and Cleaning to Remove Tartar. Tooth decay is the primary cause of black holes in teeth. A cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth in its early stages. Floss your child's teeth daily after age 2. After a long time sticking on. Any time plaque sets on your teeth for an extended period of time, the acids inside of the biofilm start to etch away at your enamel. This usually causes brown spots on the teeth’ surface. These can lead to black tartar buildup, which causes brown spots on your teeth’ surface. Both cavities and teeth stains can be black in colour. Best anti-cavity remineralizing toothpaste: 3M Clinpro 5000. Dark gums can also be associated with some endocrine diseases. A lot of the causes for front tooth cavities are similar or the same as the causes for all other cavities. White spots could be mineral buildup (tartar), plaque that causes cavities in teeth, or a combination of the two. The three major causes of tooth decay are: plaque. Last time I have dental checkup was 3 years ago. Cavities are usually dark yellow or brown, although they can also be black. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. ) Bacteria and debris build up on tooth surfaces, and the bacteria produce acids that cause decay. Tooth sensitivity may occur as well. spots. 5ml is equal to 1 teaspoon. A black dot on a tooth can be an indication of a cavity, but it is not always the case. In the initial stage, you may only think of this discoloration as minor staining. This creates tiny openings in your teeth that allow stains to set in and darken your teeth. a poor oral hygiene routine, such as failing to brush or floss daily. Coffee and tea are notorious for staining your teeth. TraumaThe development of cavities is caused by: Poor oral hygiene. Tobacco — Smoking or chewing tobacco. Periodontal disease. Stains don’t cause holes in teeth. The process is aided by poor dietary habits: snacking frequently, and drinking. 1. A black dot on your tooth may be a sign of an underlying dental issue. For cavities between teeth, your dentist can help fill the cavity and remove the black spot because Cavities between teeth are one of the most common causes of black spots. Tooth Discoloration. Typically Cavities have symptoms that do not occur with a tooth stain. ago. Plaque forms when bacteria from food and drink particles aren't cleaned properly from your teeth. There are these small holes/dents in my molars that aren't black or dark, though it's pretty sensitive. Unlike cavities that are only black, brown or grey, stains can be of different colors, depending on what causes it. Food stain – Sticky, dark-colored foods like coffee, blueberries, or black tea can stain grooves or pits on wisdom teeth, leaving a dark appearance. Brown spots that are rough to the touch are more likely to be cavities. Tartar forms when oral plaque absorbs minerals from the saliva and essentially becomes fossilized. Get it fixed and it won’t cause any real problems. This stage of pre-decay is when the enamel is beginning to dry out or demineralize because of acidic plaque bacteria. Brown. For a few months, I ate very well, a proper anti-cavity diet, I took liver pills and cod liver oil, did some oil pulling, and focused on oral health by brushing well two times a day. Looking at dental X-rays, which can show the extent of cavities and decay. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. 4 Studies. Your dentist can usually detect tooth decay by: Asking about tooth pain and sensitivity. Many people use whitening strips with peroxide to keep their smiles white and pearly. The change in the diet will help guinea pigs remove the discoloration of the teeth. The darker the color, the more severe the decay. If left untreated, black tartar on teeth causes rapidly worsening (and permanent) dark spots, usually near the gumline. NextDiscover everything you need to know about black spots on teeth in our comprehensive blog post - from causes and prevention to effective treatment methods. Your email address will not be published. The Future Dental. This is because the cavity exposes the tooth’s internal dentin which is darker than the outer surface (white enamel) of the teeth¹. On the other hand, a single spot on a tooth or more teeth indicates a cavity, which might be brown, black, or gray. Interestingly, the presence of extrinsic black stains alone doesn’t seem to have a connection to a higher rate of dental cavities, according to a 2019 analysis of 13. Additionally, black tartar on dogs teeth can also be a sign of dental issues. Causes of Black Spots on Teeth. Acidic foods cause acid reflux, which triggers enamel breakdown. Poor oral hygiene exacerbates tartar buildup, leading to. Oral cancer can affect any of the working parts of your mouth or oral cavity, which include the:. Tooth pain can come on spontaneously or when you expose teeth to sugars or acids. WSLs can develop quite rapidly in people having orthodontic treatment, and are often seen in areas near brackets and bands. Pit stains on our shirts are an apt analogy. For instance, when you drink a beverage known to leave stains and spots on your teeth, make sure you drink through a straw. Acid reflux. Intake of Tea/Coffee. You can remove minor tooth stains via teeth whitening treatments. S in 1997, and has practiced dentistry for 6 years since then. Smoking – Tobacco smoke can cause brown or black stains on teeth. If you notice a black, brown, white or gray spot on your tooth, you may have a cavity. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. Fortunately, these perplexing black spots aren't always indicative of tooth damage. About the sensitivity if he's the same dentist you're used to going I suggest you find an endodontist or a periodontist. It is important to address black holes on teeth through proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist to prevent further damage. In many cases, a person may not notice tooth resorption for years. poor oral hygiene. One of the most common reasons for black spots on your teeth is tooth decay or cavities. Possible causes for black spots on your teeth that are not cavities include: Surface Staining: If the black spot is on the surface of your tooth, it could simply be a stain that has built up over time due to certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. tartar buildup. The cavities may be a number of different colors from yellow to black. However, they may be a sign of a more serious health condition like oral. Damage to the tooth in question. The black spot is a cavity caused by tooth decay. Here is how they are formed and the common causes –. Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can result in discolored teeth. But the early signs of the cavities include white spots forming in the affected areas of the teeth, indicating that the is breaking down. Another sign that a retainer needs cleaning is it keeps breaking or cracking. This will help keep your mouth healthy. If you notice a hole in your tooth, it’s a cavity. This may seem like a relatively small amount, but it doesn’t take much for something to go wrong. If it doesn’t get any smoother, let you dentist know. Cavities need treatments, usually fillings, or they can continue to grow. This will help keep your mouth healthy. Brown. About the sensitivity if he's the same dentist you're used to going I suggest you find an endodontist or a periodontist. Prior dental work: Fillings, crowns, and bridges wear down over time. By understanding the most common causes of this discoloration, you can take steps to prevent it from occurring and seek treatment if necessary. Most of the studies concerning this issue were conducted in pediatric population. This cavity treatment is not commonly used in adults due to the discoloration that can occur. dry mouth. Moreover, the use of sugar in these beverages can promote bacterial staining of teeth. Kids are more vulnerable to this. Email. Calcified plaque is a hard substance that makes the teeth look brown or yellow and then goes dark. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. , discoloration of part of the tooth). Preventing tooth decay and cavities involves five simple steps: Brush your child's teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, or supervise them brushing their teeth. Using an instrument with a hook or loop on one. After the first stage of demineralization, the bacteria in your mouth continues to break down your tooth enamel even further. Clearly, these abrupt changes to your child's teeth must be investigated by a dentist. Causes include tobacco use, dental trauma, poor oral hygiene and certain foods, drinks and medications. The bacteria that is present with a cavity eventually eat into the tooth, causing small holes and pits in the enamel. Avoid high-sugar snacks or sugary drinks such as soda and sports drinks. The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last to erupt. Your tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in your body. Over time, this white spot can turn brown or black. If you notice a hole in your tooth, it’s a cavity. 1. Age 17–25 is when you most often see them. Major causes of tooth decay are sugary, sticky foods and beverages. Discoloration or black teeth stains are primarily because of the pigments from the food we eat. HOLES IN TEETH THAT AREN’T CAVITIES. While some types of discolouration may not be serious - apart from their aesthetic effect - dark or black tooth stains may actually indicate something more serious, like teeth cavities. Spots on your tooth or teeth that are black, brown, or gray are a sign that a cavity is growing. 1. A cavity forms when the build-up of. When this occurs, it is good. Once your teeth start to show signs of stains accompanied by sensitivity, it usually indicates. Regular teeth should be off-white in color (without being too yellow, of course). Intrinsic staining. Yup. However, the long-term solution to is to seek treatment for your bulimia. Tobacco contains thousands of chemicals known. Teeth normally range in color from white to whitish-yellow and whitish-gray. staining due to frequent consumption of certain foods or drinks like coffee, tea, and soda, or from using nicotine products like cigarettes, chewing. Black or dark spots on teeth are not uncommon. Black hole. 3 months ago Unleashing Smiles: Meet The Dentist Who Does Root Canals. Tooth Fairy Ideas. This is most likely to occur in children under. Treatments for a black tooth. Increase in tooth pain. this is because enamel is somewhat translucent and dentin (which is underneath enamel) is yellow. These soft spots in the enamel of the tooth indicate an infection has taken hold. . If left untreated, cavities can progress and cause further damage to the tooth, leading to pain and potential tooth loss. I have not had a cavity since I was a teen around 13 (back then I used to get them a lot but I am 24 now), and I have always gotten my teeth cleaned/x-rayed every 6 months. Smooth surface cavities. Cavities can also cause black spots on and between your teeth, while black tartar is typically along the bottom of the teeth by your gums. However, a beautiful smile, according to. Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems. Cavities in other parts of the mouth are often not visible without an X-ray. What are black spots on teeth that aren’t cavities? These black lines on teeth are actually just a form of tartar, also called dental calculus. Black dots on teeth can be a sign of cavities. Types of cavities Enlarge image. Types of cavities Enlarge image. (See also Overview of Tooth Disorders . Recuperating fast after extraction is crucial for our continued health and comfort. Since there are active bacteria inside of your tooth and the enamel is disintegrating and being eaten away, it can’t grow itself back. Chlorhexidine and fluoride are two more that could cause stomach upset. I’d been stressing thinking that it was a cavity. Tooth decay – Cavities that form on wisdom teeth may appear black. Even if you clean your teeth thoroughly through regular brushing and flossing, stains or spots can still develop on your teeth. Did you know that not all dark spots are cavities?. As time passes, tooth decay progresses through the five stages. Black spots can be caused by plaque buildup and cavities between your teeth. Tartar can cause the appearance of black spots on the teeth close to the gums, as well as damage to surrounding bone. Given the speed with which they formed, it's unlikely that the black spots are actually cavities. Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. The first step is tooth scaling. Poor diet, high in fermentable carbohydrates—which can be very poor quality dog food, or excessive feeding of high-carb table scraps like bread. From there, you may start to see a. an infection, or abscess. I drink tons of water every day. If a dentist spots a cavity or tooth decay on one of your teeth, they’ll work with you to discuss the best way to proceed, which will typically be a filling. Other times, a person will have what appears to be black, pinpoint-like. After about 2 minutes, Dr. 3. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. Whenever you drink something hot or cold, you may notice a surge of pain specific to one tooth. You may be recommended one or more of the following treatments: Scaling & Root Planing . If an entire tooth (or multiple teeth) appears discolored, then it’s likely a stain. rinse after every meals avoid sticky foods. If your teeth or spots on your teeth start to showcase colors like: Brown; Deep yellow; Black; Then it may be a sign that your teeth are starting to develop cavities. Left alone, untreated cavities don’t “heal” themselves. tartar buildup on the tooth. Tweet this. Using Orange Peel Rubbing the teeth with the inner part of an orange peel helps in. During this first time of waiting, the blood can clot and the healing process can begin. Reasons for Appearance of Black Spots on Teeth. You may have black spots on your teeth that don't hurt but whether it is painful or not, is not a tell tale sign of a cavity. Giving your baby vitamins or mineral supplements that are high in iron can cause tooth discoloration. Apart from this, other parts might feel uncomfortable as well such as the face, jaw, and nearby teeth. Other reasons for black spots to form on your teeth include: 3. See moreSome of the most common causes of a black or brown spot on your tooth may be due to the following: tooth decay or a cavity an. If left untreated, black tartar on teeth causes rapidly worsening (and permanent) dark spots, usually near the gumline. On the other hand, black spots on teeth that aren't cavities, may be seen due to various factors. chronic dry mouth. White spots on teeth refer to pale, chalky patches or spots that develop on the enamel. This causes tooth decay and cavities, which can give the tooth a black or brown appearance if left untreated. Naturally occurring dark spots caused by staining of the teeth are a common condition that very often goes undetected. The most common cause is tooth decay. Tartar forms when oral plaque absorbs minerals from the saliva and essentially becomes fossilized. A non-invasive treatment for cavities, silver diamine fluoride kills bacteria and arrests tooth decay on the spot. Generally, a black hole in a tooth can refer to a dark spot or hole that forms in the tooth’s structure due to decay or damage. While it is an extremely common condition and is believed to be found in 85% of all cats aged three years and older, it is identified more as periodontal disease rather than simple cavities or decay. Do Stains on Teeth Mean Cavities? If you notice stains on your teeth, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cavities. Enamel is the hard, outermost layer of the tooth. And if you’re not brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily, the plaque can. Black spots on teeth that aren't cavities are a typical worry that many individuals have when they examine their dental health. Tooth pain. Tooth decay: Cavities that form on the backs of teeth can appear as black spots. If black tarter begins appearing near the gum line, you must resort to a dentist for its immediate removal. Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. Stains don’t cause holes in teeth. Black stain can be classified based on the surface area of the tooth affected. Why do I have brown spots on my teeth? Tooth Decay The decay is often the result of consuming excessive amounts of starchy and sugary foods or. Find out how you can protect and improve your dental health with the right practices and products from Alpine White. Kelly DMD 2 days ago 1 month ago 5 months ago 2 years ago Pinhole Gum Surgery: As Your Alternative Treatment For Gum Recession What Is A Mouth Splint? (Function and Health Indication) General Dentistry: Treatments and Procedures Performed Table of Content [ show] What Are Dark Spots On Teeth That Aren’t Cavities? Let’s take a look at the types of dark spots on your teeth that aren’t cavities. Black dots on teeth can be a sign of cavities. Other causes of black teeth include smoking, certain medications, and trauma to the teeth. If you have black spots on your teeth along the gumline, it might be black tartar, aka dental calculus. When bacteria form, plaque and acids attack the tooth, they create small holes in your tooth that can turn into cavities. Cavities usually cause spots and visible holes in the. Habitual smoking makes the surface of the teeth stained to brown or black. For an added boost to healthier, whiter teeth, consider rinsing your mouth with lemon water, an. Discover the causes, types, prevention, and treatment options for black spots on teeth. Poor overall health. Abstract. The black spot or line is formed at the neck of the tooth and enters the gums. 3. Alternatively, the enamel could be damaged and bacteria entered the tooth causing black tooth decay and. He received his D. Some medications can affect the color of the gums. Another cause of dark spots on teeth could be tooth decay. Cavities need treatments, usually fillings, or they can continue to grow. Yes, there are bacteria in the black spot, and everywhere else in your mouth. Home; Consult with a doctor; Tooth and Mouth; Black spot in a teeth. lips; tissue that lines lips and cheeks; front two-thirds of the tongue (the back third of the. 2. Is a Brown Spot Always a Cavity? No. They did warn me that I had the beginning stages of gingivitis in several places and had a lot of. It can also be black or brown in color. Why do my teeth have black spots? While dark spots on the teeth can often be a sign of dental decay and cavities, that is not always the case. White spots form when minerals are lacking in areas of the enamel. Developing a proper oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily, can effectively remove the plaque and prevent staining. If left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill nerves at its center. Understanding Dental Discolorations Teeth discolorations can manifest in various shades – from yellow and brown to black. As previously stated, sugar is converted to acid by bacteria in the teeth, which destroys the enamel. pain stemming from the root, crown, or inside of. These bacteria then create acids which can eat away at the enamel on your teeth causing mineral loss and eventually a cavity. Tooth tartar accumulation. No painful symptoms: If there is no discomfort, then the black spots probably aren’t caries. But cavities can also form between the teeth, making them impossible to see when you’re looking in a mirror. In fact, most causes of braces stains are related to poor oral hygiene. 4. Chew or hold the oil in your mouth till it melts and becomes liquid (takes about 30 seconds). One common solution is teeth whitening with a professional whitening kit like Smile White. Spots on your tooth or teeth that are black, brown, or gray are a sign that a cavity is growing. Tooth discoloration is when the color of your teeth changes. Not all cavities are visible to the naked eye. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and cucumbers, which help to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Takeaway. They are varied for each type of tooth. Just keep that area clean with your Sonicare, and don't. The tooth’s internal dentin, which. teeth that are stained different colors (e. This may be a sign that there is a cavity present. Staining. It's crucial to understand what causes these dark spots that aren't caused by cavitiesHere are some of the main reasons your baby might have teeth stains: Poor oral hygiene (like improper brushing) can cause a buildup of plaque on your baby’s teeth, which can result in stains on their teeth. fever. Hay is the best thing to be eaten for a few days. Spots on the outside of the tooth can often be removed and are easy to prevent. Immediately after that, Dr. I’d get it filled when you can. tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet. As previously stated, sugar is converted to acid by bacteria in the teeth, which destroys the enamel. This condition is the result of tooth decay which, over time, weakens the tooth and eventually leads to tooth loss. Cavities are holes in the tooth that lead to infection and pain if not treated by a dentist. Low salivary pH. However, it can also be a symptom of more severe diseases, like oral malignant melanoma. However, there are many other symptoms that indicate it is a cavity rather than a stain: Visible holes in the teeth. Clean your mouth daily. Asked for Male, 27. An injury. Cavities often appear as dark spots on teeth, but they don’t always appear as dark spots. Getting rid of black spots. So I went for a dental appointment today, all was well- although there is a small black dot on my very back lower tooth. not getting enough fluoride. The National Organization for Rare Disorders reports that people with Addison's disease may develop dark patches on their mucous membranes, including the gum tissue. Cavities. Holes or Craters on Teeth. Dark spots on our teeth need not always be cavities. It's crucial to understand what causes these dark spots that aren't caused by cavities Here are some of the main reasons your baby might have teeth stains: Poor oral hygiene (like improper brushing) can cause a buildup of plaque on your baby’s teeth, which can result in stains on their teeth. Black triangles between your teeth are also known as “open gingival embrasures. 3. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. Some foods and drinks (particularly coffee, soda,. Dental Plaque Leads to Tartar Buildup Over time, if plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis, minerals from your saliva are deposited into the plaque biofilm causing it to harden within. However, it is sometimes recommended for children who develop cavities. I'm not a dentist, but from my personal experience, they could be cavities but they could also be dental caries (which, I think, are pre-cavity issues). Cavities, also called tooth decay and caries, are holes in teeth. Holes in Teeth That Aren’t Cavities: Unraveling the Mystery content writer November 6, 2023 When we notice holes in our teeth, the immediate suspicion often falls on cavities, the usual suspects of dental deterioration; however, the presence of holes in teeth that aren’t cavities introduces a fascinating twist to the narrative of oral health. A black spot on the tooth is more commonly seen in the molars (the last teeth on both sides of the upper and lower jaw). They can lead to a severe toothache, infection. Black spots on teeth can be treated quite simply, these can often be caused by a small pit or chip in the tooth which either picks up staining or has a small amount of decay. Yup. This yellow coating can form on or around your teeth if you don't brush. Several negativeThis condition can cause your tonsils to become swollen, and can lead to obstruction of the tonsillar crypts. They happen when acids break down the teeth’s hard surface. The nicotine in tobacco causes brown and yellow stains on teeth, whether through smoking or chewing. swelling of the mouth, face, or neck. Eat plenty of raw fruit and vegetables, avoid sugary foods, and when you do indulge, take extra measures to reduce your risk. . An early hole appears, displaying a light brown color. Cavities/tooth decay. of coconut oil out of your jar and pop it in your mouth. Sufferers may experience bleeding, tenderness, redness, or swelling. Orange and green patches can also indicate bacterial infections, especially in children. Black teeth can occur for numerous reasons. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. It's totally possible I could've gotten cavities within the past few months, but I'm slightly skeptical since it's been a decade since my last one. Different foods and drinks can also leave behind a bit of pigment, causing the teeth to turn. Pain and swelling at the extraction site might be made worse by. Upadya removes the etching material, rinses, and dries the tooth. Plaque is a covering of germs that is highly harmful to the teeth. These can consist of: damage to the enamel. sore throat. About the black spots on your teeth. Perform a tactile assessment of the brown spots. As you probably know, that list includes things like: Eating sugary foods and drinks. Plus, while lifestyle habits like alcohol and tobacco use. First of all, you might want to consider how widespread the “stain” appears. Both white and black spots can indicate a change within the outside layer of the tooth. Children are particularly prone to discoloration from too much fluoride. This stage of pre-decay is when the enamel is beginning to dry out or demineralize because of acidic plaque bacteria. Gingivitis. These foods and beverages create plaque that sticks to the tooth’s surface and damages it over time. Your dentist will also be able to tell. Cavities are caused by tooth decay due to food particles left that have eaten away at the teeth. However, it is sometimes recommended. This article explores how these dots could be early signs of cavities and the importance of timely intervention. Just. Over the last century, the etiology of black stain has been the subject of much debate. Plaque and tartar buildup is also a factor. To avoid this, you should include calcium-rich food like almonds, dairy products, and leafy greens in your diet. 4. Using mouthwash can also help prevent black teeth by killing bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. 8) Plaque Accumulation. A cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth in its early stages. Some dogs with rotten teeth will be unwilling to eat hard foods or any foods at all. 4 weeks ago How to Find a Good Dentist. Signs that it’s a cavity. This is usually a process referred to as a deep cleaning. There is a common misconception that 5ml equals to five teaspoons. Black spots on your teeth can be bothersome, but it’s not something you can’t deal with. Poor habits, such as smoking, will cause your teeth to brown more quickly. Discoloration is brought on by consuming certain meals or beverages frequently, such as coffee, tea, and soda, or by using nicotine-containing items, such as. The cavity weakens, leading to discoloration that appears as dark spots. But your dentist can take a closer look to see if the spot is actually a cavity.