Why is my tooth black at the gum line?
Noah Mitchell
Updated on January 05, 2026
Causes of Black Tartar
Poor oral hygiene is often the leading cause of tartar buildup. For tartar to turn black or form below the gum line, improper brushing and flossing is usually the culprit. Additionally, certain other factors contribute to the rate of tartar formation and can turn it black; these include: Smoking.How do I get rid of the black between my teeth and gums?
The most common treatments include:
- Brushing and flossing more carefully. You might be able to fix your black gaps just by being a little more careful if you've been overdoing it with your dental hygiene. ...
- Treating gum disease. ...
- Using an orthodontic treatment. ...
- Applying dental resin or veneers. ...
- Grafting tissue.
Can a black tooth be saved?
Treatments for a black toothYour dentist can usually remove a small amount of tooth around this area, removing the staining and/or decay and placing a some tooth-coloured bonding material over this area. The tooth bonding will blend in naturally with your surrounding teeth, making the repair invisible.