marks on front teeth

[pagey3]

my teeth are generally in good condition apart from the odd filling here and there, but on my two front top teeth, right at the top by the gums, there are small brown marks forming, which are getting bigger. My dentist says it's decay, but it doesn't feel like something wearing away, if feels like something building up on the top of my teeth.

Has anyone else had anything like this and how did they get rid of it? I don't drink much fizzy pop, but I do drink a lot of squash and I smoke when I have a drink but hardly at all otherwise (probably 20-30 a week if I go out twice)

ta for any advice!

[Impret-Sir]

I had exactly the same problem in exactly the same place on one tooth, although I neither smoke, or drink apart from an odd glass of wine, my dentist said is was a stain on the tooth caused by a build up of plaque, and that he could polish off some of it, but that once the tooth was discoloured in this way, it could not be completely restored to whiteness. All I can say is that after her polishing it a bit, and my daily brushing/flossing/antiseptic mouthwash routine, it has got a little better, and is, at least, not getting any worse!

[happy_face]

Your dentist is right. It is decay. It's plaque that has been left and then it has gone through the enamel/dentine. It happens if you don't brush your teeth well enough. Once the black spot appears it's noticeable to you so you automatically start brushing but you won't be able to remove it. As it hasn't gotten as far as cavity yet you can keep it under control with regular brushing and mouthwash. And you must stop drinking sugary drinks including squash. Drink diet versions as there isn't any sugar to attck you teeth.

The only way to get rid of th stain is for the dentist to smooth it off or a composite filling. But often these spots are so small that the dentist would have to drill some of the healthy tooth to get the composite material to stay in. So for your sake keep brushing. It's always very important to brush your gums as well as your teeth which you obviously haven't been doing.

Think of it this way, what's the point of having great teeth if you end up with gums so slack they can't hold them in.