Cavity vs Stain: Difference and Comparison

How do you differentiate a cavity from a stain since they both look similar?

It’s often confusing to distinguish between a cavity and a stain on a tooth. A lot of people find it difficult to tell the difference between a cavity and a stain.

Your teeth are the part of your body you can only examine with a mirror. So, it’s not always easy to identify a stain or cavity on a tooth. That is why it’s important to visit the dentist when you notice any pain or discolouring in your teeth.

While dental cavities are more like a spot on a tooth, dental stains are more of a discolouration on the tooth surface.

In a moment, we will be discussing the difference between a cavity vs a stain, what causes a cavity or stain, and how it can be treated.

What Is a Cavity?

Also referred to as tooth decay, cavities are discoloured marks and holes that develop on the cervices of the teeth.

Dental cavities occur as a result of tooth decay, initially starting with a small opening in your teeth which may look like a tiny white spot. What looked like a tiny white spot at the beginning can turn into a larger black, grey, or brown opening if not taken care of.

Tooth decay is what happens when your tooth enamel starts to damage. This happens when acid-producing bacteria in your mouth erode your tooth enamel.

A cavity is likely to develop on your back molar or close to where the teeth join with the gum. If left untreated, tooth decay will affect the deeper layer of your teeth, which can cause permanent damage.

Cavities can cause sensitivity and excruciating pain. So, what causes cavities in a tooth?

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What Causes a Cavity?

Firstly, we live in a society where most of the food sold at the grocery store contains lots of sugar. From beverages to snacks, you will hardly find any food without a content of sugar.

Dental cavity is caused by excessive consumption of sugar and poor oral hygiene. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar in starchy and sweet foods.

As the bacteria feed on the sugar, they multiply and release an acid that erode your tooth enamel. This is when you start to see a tiny white spot on your tooth, which can turn into a larger black, grey, or brown opening if left untreated.

Although tooth decay is caused by poor oral hygiene, excessive sugar consumption, dry mouth, or due to lack of protective fluoride treatment, it’s also common in individuals with a family history of cavities.

You can prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing regularly. Flossing removes plaque that is in between your teeth while brushing removes plaque from your teeth and gum.

What Is a Stain?

Dental stains are the discoloration of the teeth and unlike cavities, they don’t indicate tooth decay. Stains are not much of a problem compared to tooth decay.

For dental stain, it’s usually a change in colour or a small stain you may notice on a particular spot on your tooth.

Generally, dental stains are classified into two types, which are intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic stains affect the middle layer of the tooth, while extrinsic stains are discolouration in the outermost layer of the tooth.

Intrinsic stains are more permanent because they affect the middle layer of your tooth and may not respond to at-home remedies.

What Causes Tooth Stains?

Dental staining occurs due to certain staining agents stuck in your teeth. This happens due to the consumption of coffee, red wine, tea, or even berries.

Someone who is an addicted smoker can also have dental stains because of the tobacco, tartar, and nicotine found in most cigarettes.

Poor dental hygiene, excessive fluoride treatment, tartar build-up, certain medical treatments and illness also result in tooth discolouration.

Additionally, age may also cause teeth discolouration.

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Cavity vs Stain: Difference between Cavity and Stain

It’s often confusing to distinguish between a cavity and a stain on a tooth. Dental cavities and stains both cause the teeth to change colour, so it’s a bit difficult to differentiate between a tiny white opening and teeth discolouration.

But what is the difference between a dental cavity and a dental stain?

The first thing you want to look at is how widespread the stain on your teeth is. If you notice that a whole tooth or multiple teeth appear discoloured, it’s likely a stain than tooth decay.

But if you notice there is a tiny spot of discolouration on your tooth, it’s likely to be a cavity.

Dental cavities appear darker over time causing more damage to your tooth. Dental stains may also appear darker if it’s caused by tobacco stains.

While you may notice a dark spot as a result of tooth decay, it also causes excruciating pain if left untreated. Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages is also common with tooth decay.

Cavity vs Stain: How to Prevent Dental Cavities and Dental Stains

Here are a few tips to help prevent dental cavities and tooth discolouration.

To Prevent Cavities

Ensure you brush and floss regularly. Brushing your teeth should be done twice a day, while flossing should be done once a day.
Reduce your consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
Try to schedule dental cleaning at least every six months.
If your family has a history of tooth decay, ask your dentist about sealants. Applying sealant to your tooth surface helps protect your teeth from cavities.
Fluoride toothpaste will help protect your teeth from tooth decay.
Also, you can use mouthwash containing fluoride and antibacterial ingredients. It will help reduce plaque and germs in your teeth.

To Prevent Stains

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste will help prevent teeth discolouration.
Smoking is a habit you should quit and avoid using any tobacco product.
Using teeth-whitening toothpaste will help remove stains.
Floss in between your teeth once a day to remove stains.
Drink beverages through a straw.
Lastly, rinse your mouth with water after drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, or cola.

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Cavity vs Stain: Treatment

What is the remedy for dental cavities and dental stains?

How dental cavities are treated is quite different from dental stains. While stains can be treated at home or by a cosmetic dentist, cavities require the attention of a dental professional.

Cavities

If you notice you have tooth decay, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a dentist right away. Dental cavities become larger and deeper if left untreated.

A tooth decay can spread inside the layers of your teeth causing more damage to your teeth. You will experience tooth sensitivity, severe pain, or even tooth loss.

One of the most common cavity procedures is tooth fillings, which your dentist may recommend if the structure of your tooth is still intact. The procedure involves removing tooth decay and filling the hole in your teeth with a filling such as resin, gold, or porcelain.

Crowns are used by professional dentists to restore the appearance of teeth affected by cavities. Dental crowns are made from ceramic to look like a replica of your teeth.

Based on the extent of the cavity, your dentist may also recommend root canal treatment. This treatment procedure may be required if the cavity has already caused injuries to your tooth nerve.

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Stains

Excessive consumption of sugary food and dark-coloured beverages causes tooth discolouration.

If tooth stains don’t disappear after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or even after changing your diet, then it’s best you visit a dentist.

Intrinsic stains affect the middle layer of the tooth, while extrinsic stains are discolouration in the outermost layer of the tooth. The latter is the easiest to remove from your teeth.

With whitening toothpaste or strips, it’s easy to remove these surface stains. To avoid causing any damage to your enamel while using this method, get a do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit from a dentist.

Intrinsic stains are more permanent because they affect the middle layer of your tooth and may not respond to at-home remedies.

For intrinsic stains, you need the advice of a professional. Intrinsic stains can be removed using skilled cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Conclusion

While dental cavities are more like a spot on a tooth, dental stains are more of a discolouration on the tooth surface.

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References

Flossy.com: Cavity vs. Stain: How To Tell And What To Do
Healthline: How to Tell the Difference Between a Cavity and a Stain
Putneydentalcare: Cavity vs Stain – Understanding the Differences
Trucaredentistry: Cavity vs. Stain: Everything You Should Know
Cincoranchfamilydentistry: Why Do I Have Stained Teeth?

Cavity vs Stain: Difference and Comparison