Cavities are one of the most well-known dental problems—but they’re not as easy to identify as most think. Cavities can be dark and splotchy, but not all stains on your teeth mean there’s tooth decay. Luckily, your go-to dentist in Morton, IL, is well-trained in identifying them.
Nevertheless, if you recently noticed a new spot on your smile, you may be worried whether it calls for an emergency dental visit or if it can wait until your next check-up. Luckily, there are some signs you can look out for to distinguish tooth decay from simple discoloration.
What’s the Difference Between Cavities and Stains?
Stains and cavities both cause dental discoloration, which is why it’s easy to confuse them. They do, however, have distinct causes, and their courses of treatment also differ.
A cavity is a region of bacterially induced tooth decay. It happens when the hard outer part of a tooth, called the enamel, is damaged. For that reason, it can look like a brown stain, white spots, or even a tiny hole in the tooth.
On the other hand, stains are areas of discoloration on a tooth. Unlike cavities, stains aren’t damaged areas, so they don’t necessarily need treatment. However, if patients are worried about how their smile looks, they can be treated with whitening procedures or veneers.
5 Tips to Differentiate Stains and Cavities
While stains and cavities appear similar, there are certain key factors that differentiate them. If you’re in doubt, though, scheduling a visit to the dentist can provide a definitive diagnosis and appropriate care.
1. Color and Texture
Typically brown, black, or yellow, stains appear on the enamel's surface. They don’t impact the structure of the tooth and are smooth. On the other hand, cavities may begin as demineralized white spots and develop into rough, pitted, brown or black patches.
2. Location on the Tooth
Usually, stains appear on flat surfaces or between teeth where tartar and plaque build up. Cavities frequently form in molar pits and grooves or close to the gum line, where bacteria and food can accumulate and cause decay.
3. Pain or Sensitivity
Stains only alter appearance and cause no pain. Cavities, particularly deeper ones, can involve nerves beneath the enamel, making the patient sensitive to pressure, hot, cold, or sweet things.
4. Response to Brushing or Cleaning
Professional cleaning or whitening toothpaste can help remove or improve superficial stains. Cavities are difficult to remove with brushing and frequently worsen over time, necessitating dental care.
5. Dental Diagnosis
Dentists use X-rays, dental explorers, and visual inspection to find cavities. An X-ray of a stained tooth free of decay won't reveal any indications of underlying structural damage or enamel erosion.
Keep Your Smile Shiny with a Dentist in Morton, IL
Cavities and stains have several things in common: they happen frequently, look similar, and both can impact your confidence in your smile. However, the danger with tooth decay is that it could spread without prompt treatment, so proper diagnosis is key to protecting your oral health.
If you’re still unsure after following these tips, your dentist at Smalltown Dental can help. Reach out for an appointment, and let us assess the state of your smile!
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