Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverlapping SymptomsHow to TellSeeing a DentistTreatmentHealthy Teeth TipsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overlapping Symptoms
How to Tell
Seeing a Dentist
Treatment
Healthy Teeth Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping your teeth healthy is a key part of overall health.Cavitiesand discoloration, or staining, are two common teeth problems. While they can have similar appearances, including brown spots between teeth, there are ways to distinguish a cavity from a stain. When you know how to spot a cavity and what causes teeth stains, you’ll be more in control of youroral health.
This article will highlight the differences between cavity vs stain. It will explain how to spot a cavity, what causes teeth stains and what treatment you need for each.
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Cavity vs. Stain: Overlapping Symptoms
Both a cavity and a stain can cause discoloration between the teeth. However, they have different causes and treatments.
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. Over time, that can lead to tooth sensitivity and other symptoms, but at first, cavities aren’t painful.
Stains, on the other hand, are areas of discoloration on a tooth. They’re not damaged, per se, and they don’t 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 doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cavities. Cavities often appear as small holes, brown spots, or white spots, usually between the teeth.Stains are more widespread. However, when in doubt, you should see your dentist. It’s important to get regular dental care since you sometimes can’t see cavities developing between teeth.
Does Coconut Oil Whiten Yellow Teeth?
Different Causes
How To Tell If You Have a Cavity or Stain
If you’re not sure whether you have a cavity or a stain, ask your doctor at your next teeth cleaning appointment. However, there are also some signs you can 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. You might notice that they appear are vibrant after you’ve consumed foods that contribute to discoloration, like wine or coffee.
Learn more abouthow to find a dentist.
Stains don’t necessarily need treatment, although some people want to lighten their stains for aesthetic reasons. Often, professional or at-hometeeth whiteningcan help remove stains. Intrinsic stains, unfortunately, aren’t easy to correct.
If you have a cavity, you’ll 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 AnxietyThinking about getting dental treatment can be overwhelming. If you’re afraid to get your cavity treated, find adentist who is experienced at treating dental fear and anxiety.
Dealing With Anxiety
Thinking about getting dental treatment can be overwhelming. If you’re afraid to get your cavity treated, find adentist who is experienced at treating dental fear and anxiety.
Having good dental hygiene can help prevent both cavities and stains. To take care of your teeth and avoid cavities and stains, follow these steps:
Summary
Cavities and stains can both cause your teeth to become discolored. Cavities are usually in one or two spots, whereas staining is widespread. Stains don’t need treatment, but can be whitened for cosmetic reasons. Cavities are areas of decay that must be treated before they become bigger.
Tobacco use and the foods you eat, including coffee, tea and wine, can all contribute to discoloration. 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.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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.
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.
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