Single dark tooth
Skip to main content Skip to navigation Skip to footer

Please rotate your device to portrait mode for optimum user experience.

SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
×

Sign up for special offers and updates

Mother's Day Sale Ends:Mother's Day Sale Ends: Sale Ends:
 [ 03 days :
13
hrs
:
13
mins
: 27 sec ]
SEE DEALS
SmileBrilliant Logo SmileBrilliant
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
text added
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> MEDICAL CONDITIONS, TEETH WHITENING

Single dark tooth

Erin Stelbrink, RDH

What causes a single tooth to become dark?

Single dark tooth

Teeth, including a single dark tooth generally darken in result of the absorption of key pigmented minerals, medications ingested during tooth formation or trauma. Surface staining is typically yellowish or yellow- brownish, and staining deeper within tooth structure appears more of a grey shade.

Food & Medication Tooth Staining: If a single tooth is only slightly off color, it is likely the tooth has merely acquired stain. Tooth staining can occur due to the foods and drinks we consume and specific medications we take. This can happen for a number of reasons including misalignment, uneven and rough tooth surfaces. If a single tooth is unreachable for toothbrush bristles, build up and stain acquire quicker than the surrounding teeth, leaving the tooth to appear yellow or yellow-brownish.

Trauma Tooth Staining: If the single dark tooth is the result of trauma the staining is caused by saturation of iron from the bloodstream during periods of inflammation. Staining caused by trauma is very deep within the dentin and among the most difficult to remove.

If the tooth has experienced trauma at any point, it is possible that the nerve inside the single dark tooth may have died. A dead tooth often has a dark or grey appearance. Discoloration after trauma is similar to a bruise on the skin, resulting from internal bleeding of the pulp chamber (the central portion of the tooth containing blood vessels). It is recommended to schedule a dental appointment to seek treatment for the dead tooth because the space inside the tooth where the nerve used to be can become infected easily.

Treatment options for a single dark tooth vary based on the cause

Typically when a single tooth appears dark yellow or yellow-brown it can be bleached by itself using a custom-fitted tooth whitening tray to isolate the one tooth. Once the single dark tooth matches the surrounding teeth you should apply the bleaching gel to all teeth until they appear to not getting lighter.

If a tooth appears grey, it is possible that the tooth needs to be bleached internally via injection by a dental professional.

Both solutions are relatively simple and produce satisfying results; however not all situations are alike and unfortunately some may need to consider veneers or crowns.

Erin Stelbrink

Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 11+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at erin@smilebrilliant.com

RELATED ARTICLES

Effects of antibiotics on teeth – as a child and adult

By: Esmy Ornelas

A few minutes can save a life: oral cancer screenings

By: Rachel Stroble

Cold & Flu Season: How we get sick and how to prevent it

By: Esmy Ornelas

Professional teeth whitening at the dentist

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Oral cancer, it’s more than smoke & mirrors

By: Chassidy Cassady

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN
Shipping icon: a box with a checkmark
FREE SHIPPING OVER $35
Hassle-free returns icon: a package with a return arrow
HASSLE-FREE RETURNS
Secure checkout icon: a shield with a checkmark
100% SECURE CHECKOUT

SUBSCRIBE! Discounts. Recommendations. New products.

smilebrilliant logo

Smile Brilliant makes it easy to improve your oral health & beauty through a suite of professional teeth whitening & oral care products shipped directly to your door.

MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!

  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • Best TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • ProShield Custom Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!  Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! LASSOâ„¢ TONGUE SCRAPER
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW!Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There's more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • PERIODONTAL DISEASE
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • ABOUT US
    • GUARANTEE
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
Menu
  • CUSTOM TRAYS & GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • PROSHIELD SPORTS GUARDS
      Custom-fitted Sports Mouth Guards
    • Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
  • Teeth Whitening
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armourâ„¢ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! Lassoâ„¢ Tongue Scraper
      Remove more bacteria in 10 seconds
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOURâ„¢
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERSâ„¢
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlightersâ„¢ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • NEW! Skin care
  • REVIEWS
  • Support
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • ANATOMY OF TEETH
      There’s more to teeth than most realize
    • Teeth Whitening Knowledge Center
      A crash course education before you invest in your smile.
    • Periodontal Disease
      Early stage reversal & late stage management
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Guarantee
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING