Sometimes, you look in the mirror and notice that one tooth looks darker than the others. It can be a little scary, but the truth is that these bruises on the teeth are not uncommon and usually have an explanation. It is a sign that something happened inside the tooth.
Bruises on the teeth
A bruise on a tooth looks like a darker spot, which can be brown, gray, or even black. It is not a coffee or tobacco stain that can be cleaned with a toothbrush; it is a change that comes from inside the tooth. It usually happens when there is some sort of hit or trauma that affects the inner part of the tooth, the pulp, where the blood vessels and nerves are. When those vessels break, blood accumulates inside the tooth and that causes the darker color.
They are not things you see every day, but they are not that rare either. Especially in children, who fall while playing or running, it is common for a tooth to get hit and change color over time. In adults it can also happen due to accidents, falls, or strong blows. The important thing is that, even if they are not very common, a tooth with a bruise needs to be checked to make sure there is no serious damage.
Causes of bruises on the teeth
Bruises on the teeth usually appear for reasons related to hits or trauma, but it is not always so obvious. The most common reasons are:
- Strong hits or trauma: This includes falls while playing, getting hit by balls, bicycle accidents, or contact sports. When the tooth receives an impact, the internal blood vessels can break and the blood stays inside the tooth. Over time, this accumulation causes the tooth to look darker. Even if the hit does not hurt much, it can affect the inside of the tooth.
- Everyday accidents: Sometimes the hits are not so obvious, but they still affect the teeth. It could be bumping into an object at home, hitting yourself when opening your mouth too wide, or even biting something very hard. All of this can generate an internal bruise that darkens the tooth without you noticing right away.
- Eruption of new teeth in children: When teeth start coming in, it is normal for there to be a bit of bleeding in the gum or even in the tooth. This can look like a blue or purple spot on the tooth that is emerging. It is not dangerous in most cases, but it is a type of bruise that should be monitored to make sure everything is going well.
- Internal damage from pressure or repeated hits: Not all bruises come from a single blow. If the teeth receive constant pressure, for example from biting hard objects or habits like biting your nails, internal damage can build up. This sometimes causes a gradual change in color that appears weeks or months after the trauma.
- Infections or pulp problems: Although it is less common, some internal tooth infections can cause discoloration. This happens when the pulp becomes inflamed or damaged, which causes the accumulation of fluids or blood inside the tooth, making it look darker.
Can bruises on the teeth be treated?
Yes, they can be treated, and it is better to do it as soon as possible. At Gross Dentistas, we have dentists in Torremolinos and Málaga who examine each case to see what the best treatment option is.
- The first thing is to diagnose whether the tooth is alive and whether the pulp is damaged. Depending on that, the treatment may be very simple or require slightly more complex procedures. Sometimes, all that is needed is monitoring and care, to see if the tooth regains its color over time.
- In other cases, a root canal treatment may be necessary, which cleans the inside of the tooth and removes the bruise.
- Restorations or cosmetic treatments can also be applied to improve appearance. In any case, the key is to see professionals to avoid bigger problems.
There is no need to panic if a bruise appears, but it is important to take it seriously. Checking a dark tooth in time can prevent it from being damaged further and ensure it stays healthy for years. Make an appointment with us and make sure of what is happening.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
