Cavities are more serious than stains.
Heres how to tell the difference.
This article will highlight the differences between cavity vs stain.
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However, they have different causes and treatments.
Acavityis an area of tooth decay brought on by bacteria.
Cavities happen when the hard outer part of a tooth, called the enamel, is damaged.
Cavities needtreatments, usually fillings, or they can continue to grow.
Stains, on the other hand, are areas of discoloration on a tooth.
Theyre not damaged, per se, and they dont necessarily need treatment.
Most stains only affect the tooth enamel and are called extrinsic stains.
Others affect the entire tooth and are called intrinsic stains.
Do Stains on Teeth Mean Cavities?
If you notice stains on your teeth, it doesnt necessarily mean that you have cavities.
However, when in doubt, you should see your dentist.
Its important to get regular dental care since you sometimes cant see cavities developing between teeth.
Different Causes
Extrinsic stains are often brought on by the food and drink that you consume.
Tea, coffee, curries, wine and some fruits and vegetables can leave your teeth looking discolored.
So can tobacco use and not brushing and flossing.
Intrinsic stains are resulting from trauma to the tooth itself.
This often occurs before youre born, or in childhood.
Cavities are caused when the enamel of a tooth is damaged by plaque.
Plaque is a buildup of bacteria.
These bacteria produce acid when you eat sugars.
The acid, in turn, damages your teeth by eating away the enamel.
However, there are also some signs it’s possible for you to monitor at home.
If you have pain or sensitivity, for example, it’s likely that you have a cavity.
Stains don’t cause pain.Cavities have a predictable progression:
Stains generally get worse with time.
Seeing a Dentist
Seeing a dentist regularly is a way to take care of your health.
Ideally, you should see a dentist every six months.
Making a dentist appointment gives you the opportunity to discuss your concerns and get the treatment you need.
Learn to find a dentist.
Often, professional or at-hometeeth whiteningcan help remove stains.
Intrinsic stains, unfortunately, arent easy to correct.
If you have a cavity, youll need treatment from the dentist.
The most common treatment for a cavity is a filling.
This removes the decayed area of the tooth and stops the cavity from progressing.
In rarer cases, if the cavity is severe, you may need aroot canal.
If the damage is very severe, your dentist may recommend pulling the tooth.
This is known as adental extraction.
Dealing With Anxiety
Thinking about getting dental treatment can be overwhelming.
Healthy Teeth Tips
Having good dental hygiene can help prevent both cavities and stains.
Cavities are usually in one or two spots, whereas staining is widespread.
Stains dont need treatment, but can be whitened for cosmetic reasons.
Cavities are areas of decay that must be treated before they become bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, tooth yellowing can be reversed by whitening procedures.
These can be done by a professional, like your dentist, or at home.
If you brush twice a day and still notice staining, try brushing immediately after you eat or drink.
The first sign of a cavity is white marks on the teeth.
After that, a cavity may appear light brown, becoming darker with time.
National Library of Medicine.Tooth decay: Overview.
Perry, Ronald.What causes discolored teeth and is there any way to cure or prevent staining?Tufts.
National Institute of Dental and Craniolfacial Research.The tooth decay process: How to reverse it and avoid a cavity.
Johns Hopkins.Tooth delay (cavities) in children.
