Cavity vs Stain: How To Tell the Difference
When it comes to dental concerns, it can be hard to tell the difference between a cavity vs stain. Discoloration on a tooth can easily mimic the early stages of a pit, so you won’t want to overlook it.
However, it also doesn’t do any good to panic at the sight of a stain. No matter the cause, there’s a good chance your dentist can resolve it. In the meantime, we’ll discuss a few ways to tell the difference between cavities vs stains.
Does a stain mean it’s a cavity?
While some tooth stains can signal the early stages of a cavity, not all discoloration is caused by decay. Here’s a closer look at general stains on teeth:
Causes of tooth stains
Many acidic foods and beverages, such as red wine, coffee, chocolate, and candy, cause tooth stains. Other sources include poor dental hygiene, tobacco use, and the buildup of tartar and plaque.
Do stains need treatment?
While it isn’t absolutely necessary to treat tooth stains, many people find that whitening their teeth gives them more confidence to smile and show off their pearly whites. If you feel self-conscious about your teeth because of discoloration, you might see results from brightening toothpaste or whitening strips to restore your luminous smile.
What are extrinsic vs intrinsic tooth stains?
Extrinsic stains are superficial areas of discoloration on the outer layer of your teeth. They’re usually easy to treat at home and may improve with each brushing and flossing session.
Intrinsic tooth stains occur within the tooth and may be caused by physical trauma, age, medications, and other factors. These tooth stains often require professional whitening treatments to resolve.
How to tell the difference between a tooth stain vs cavity
When you notice a stain on your tooth, don’t panic over the thought of a cavity! Here are a few ways to distinguish between a cavity vs stain:
Discoloration progression
When patches appear on your teeth, the color can sometimes – but not always – give you insight into the cause:
Yellow: Yellow stains are often caused by tobacco, foods, or beverages.
Brown and Black: May be caused by stains or the presence of a cavity.
White: White spots may signal that your enamel erosion has begun.
Grey: A hole is developing within your tooth.
Accompanying symptoms
Dental stains are typically only noticeable by sight. You won’t feel pain or discomfort, and they won’t impact the health of your teeth. On the other hand, a cavity often causes pain when consuming hot or cold beverages, discomfort when chewing food, bad breath, and gum sensitivity or bleeding when brushing and flossing.
Dental exam results
Unless you can see a visible pit in your tooth, you’ll likely need a dental professional to determine whether the discoloration on your tooth is a stain vs a cavity. If it is a cavity, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent bacteria from affecting your gum health and requiring a root canal or tooth extraction.
How can you treat tooth stains?
Many dental stains can easily be treated at home using a combination of lifestyle changes and cosmetic products. Here are the best ways to improve the appearance of tooth stains:
Avoid foods and drinks that can cause stains
Dark-colored, acidic, and sugary foods and beverages can all lead to unsightly stains as well as potentially dangerous cavities. For the health and aesthetic appeal of your teeth, avoid excess coffee, tea, and sugar, and be sure to practice great oral hygiene.
Use whitening toothpaste
A whitening toothpaste can make a big difference in the appearance of tooth stains. Opt for a high-quality brand that contains fluoride and small amounts of hydrogen peroxide.
Consider cosmetic dentistry
If you aren’t seeing progress with at-home treatment, a cosmetic dentist can offer excellent solutions for pesky tooth stains. In-office solutions can take an hour or less, while other remedies include mouthguards that you wear overnight or for several hours during the day to improve the color of your teeth within a week or two. Your dentist may even offer internal whitening to address discoloration within the tooth.
Keep your teeth healthy with Coral Reef Dental
At Coral Reef Dental, we offer a range of solutions to help our clients care for their teeth and reveal their radiant smiles. Whether you’re searching for sedation dentistry or just a routine exam, we’re here for you!
Learn more about our services and solutions, or contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!