Dental Stains vs. Cavities: How to Distinguish Them

Finding a new stain in your smile can be irritating. Besides affecting the harmonic appearance of your white smile, there’s always that background worry that it may be a cavity, requiring an immediate visit to a Fleming Island dentist.

However, despite their similar appearances, cavities and discoloration are two common tooth issues that can be distinguished from one another thanks to some important distinctions.

Are Dental Stains Always a Sign of Cavities?

The easy answer is that dental stains don’t always equal stains. A stain or a cavity can cause teeth discoloration, but they have different causes and treatments.

• A cavity is a bacterially induced area of tooth decay. It could appear as white spots between teeth, a small hole in the tooth, or a brown stain between teeth.
• Stains are patches of discoloration on a tooth. They do not necessarily require treatment and are not damaged in the traditional sense.

How to Distinguish Stains and Cavities?

You may not necessarily have cavities if you see stains on your teeth. Cavities typically appear between teeth as tiny holes, brown spots, or white spots. Stains, on the other hand, can be more widespread.

You should consult your dentist if in doubt. Since cavities between teeth can occasionally go undetected, receiving guidance from a dental professional is key.

Remove Dental Stains with the Help of a Fleming Island Dentist

A visit to Fleming Island Dental Care will be the best way to remove dental stains or dangerous cavities. We’ll assess the state of your mouth, suggest a dental cleaning if needed, and proceed with a simple but long-lasting teeth whitening.

If you’d like to learn more about how this treatment can help you recover your shining smile, reach out!