Cavity and stains are two common dental issues that many people face. Both can affect the appearance and health of your teeth, but they are different in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel and dentin. On the other hand, stains are caused by external factors such as the consumption of staining foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, and red wine), smoking, poor dental hygiene, or certain medications.
In this blog, we will differentiate between cavities and stains, guiding you on how to manage and prevent these issues. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what causes cavities and stains, how to treat them, and most importantly, how to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Taking care of your dental health is essential for maintaining a bright and healthy smile. Whether you’re dealing with tooth cavities or stains, regular dental cleanings and check-ups are crucial. At Bedford Dental Group, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments and free consultations to help you achieve your best smile.
Schedule your appointment with our expert cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills today!
Cavity vs Stain
The main way to tell the difference between tooth cavities and tooth stains is in their appearance. Cavities often led to small holes or pits. However, stains come as tooth discoloration on the surface of the teeth.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity or tooth decay is permanent damage that occurs when the hard surface of your tooth is eroded by bacteria-produced acid. This decay forms small holes or pits in the affected tooth. Typically, cavities can be caused by bacteria, sugary foods, drinking sugary beverages, or acid. All these can erode tooth enamel.
Initial signs include tooth sensitivity and pain when consuming hot or cold foods. In addition, visible holes or pits may appear in more serious cavities. You would also see dark spots on the tooth surface.
Regular dental check-ups can help detect cavities early before they cause significant damage. Once you notice any of these signs, you should contact an emergency dentist in Beverly Hills immediately.
What is a Tooth Stain?
Tooth stains are discolorations on the surface of the teeth. These dental stains can be intrinsic (inside the tooth) or extrinsic (on the tooth surface).
Extrinsic stains are surface stains that are caused by external factors such as food, drinks, and smoking. On the other hand, intrinsic stains are discolorations within the tooth, often due to medication, trauma, or excessive fluoride.
Common causes of teeth staining include smoking, poor oral hygiene, and food and drinks that can stain the teeth. Symptoms that indicate a stain include teeth discoloration and yellow, brown, or grayish dislocation on the tooth surface, which come without pain or sensitivity.
Cavity vs Stain Treatment Options
When dealing with cavities, treatment options include fillings, crowns, and root canals. Porcelain fillings are typically used to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape, and they cost between $700 to $2,500. Here, the dentist removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and fills the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. Dental crowns are caps placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are used when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, and costs between $900 to $3,000. A root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it. It costs between $600 to $2,000 for the treatment.
Preventive measures for cavities include maintaining a healthy diet and good oral hygiene. It also helps to schedule regular dental cleanings.
Treatment options for teeth stains include professional cleaning and whitening treatments. Regular professional dental cleanings can remove plaque and surface stains. This process involves scaling and polishing the teeth and costs $75 to $200. Professional teeth whitening treatments can remove deeper stains and improve the overall appearance of your teeth. It could be in-office bleaching or take-home bleaching kits. They cost between $300 to $1,000.
To take care of your teeth at home, ensure that you use whitening toothpaste to help remove surface stains. In addition, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash.
Do Veneers Stain?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials. Porcelain veneers are especially popular due to their natural appearance and durability.
Porcelain veneers are known for their stain-resistant properties. Thus, veneers do not stain. Unlike natural tooth enamel, which can be porous and absorb staining substances, porcelain veneers have a smooth, impervious surface that makes them highly resistant to discoloration. However, the brightness and longevity of your porcelain veneers depend on how you care for them.
How can I Know if I have a Cavity or Stain?
Cavities, also referred to as tooth decay, often appear as small holes or pits in the tooth. They can also present as dark spots on the tooth surface and can be characterized by teeth sensitivity or tooth pain when biting or chewing. On the other hand, stains manifest as discoloration on the surface of the teeth, which can be yellow, brown, or grayish. Stains are often extrinsic, affecting the tooth surface, but can also be intrinsic, affecting the inner layers of the tooth. Typically, tooth dislocation is without tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.
For cavities, dentists can carry out visual examinations by inspecting the teeth for visible signs of decay and cavities. They can also use X-rays to reveal cavities between teeth and under the enamel where visual examination might not detect them. Furthermore, dentists can use dental probes to check for soft spots on the tooth surface, which may indicate decay.
For stains, dentists also use visual examination to identify stains based on their color and location on the tooth surface. In addition, carrying out dental cleaning can help differentiate between surface stains and deeper issues. If stains persist after cleaning, they might be intrinsic or require further treatment.
While tooth stains themselves do not turn into cavities, the factors that cause stains, such as poor oral hygiene and consumption of sugary and acidic foods, can also lead to cavities. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent both stains and cavities.
Regular dental check-ups help in the early detection of both cavities and stains, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Through these check-ups, dentists can monitor your oral health over time, and provide guidance on how to prevent tooth decay and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
Prevention Tips for Healthy Teeth
Daily oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and rinsing help in maintaining healthy teeth. For example, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily also helps to remove food particles and plaque between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. The best technique for flossing is to use a gentle back-and-forth motion to avoid damaging your gums. Additionally, it helps to use an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash to kill bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel. Rinsing also helps reduce plaque and prevents gum disease.
By limiting the consumption of candies, soda, and other sugary drinks and food, you can prevent tooth decay. Furthermore, reducing the intake of acidic drinks and foods helps to maintain healthy teeth. It also helps to avoid sticky foods that cling to teeth and promote cavities. Some foods that promote oral health include dairy products, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, etc.
Does Coffee Stain Your Teeth?
Yes, coffee can stain your teeth. The dark color of coffee, combined with its acidic nature, contributes to tooth discoloration. The pigments in coffee can adhere to the tooth enamel, leading to surface stains over time. Additionally, coffee can contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar that leads to tooth stains.
What foods to Avoid for White Teeth?
To maintain white teeth and avoid tooth stains, it’s important to be mindful of certain foods and drinks that can cause discoloration. Some tooth-damaging foods include sugary foods and drinks, acidic foods and drinks, berries, dark-colored beverages, tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, etc.
What Toothpastes are Best for White Teeth?
When choosing a toothpaste to help maintain white teeth, look for Colgate optic white or Sensodyne Pronamel gentle whitening. These toothpastes are free of abrasives, sodium, and triclosan, which are harmful to the teeth.
Some ingredients to look for in toothpaste include fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and calcium carbonate.
Popular Professional Whitening Treatments in Beverly Hills
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure designed to remove stains and discoloration, resulting in a brighter smile. There are several professional teeth whitening options available in Beverly Hills, one of which is Zoom whitening.
Zoom whitening cost ranges from $300 to $1,200. It is an advanced in-office treatment that uses a special hydrogen peroxide gel and a zoom light to accelerate the whitening process. The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Zoom Whitening can make your teeth up to eight shades whiter in a single session. It is known for its effectiveness and quick results.
For those who desire a smile makeover, you are desiring a comprehensive approach that may include multiple cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and bonding, to achieve a complete transformation of your smile. The cost of a smile makeover varies depending on the treatments involved.
The frequency of teeth whitening treatments depends on several factors, including the method used, your oral hygiene habits, and your diet. Generally, a professional dentist would recommend professional teeth whitening treatments every 6 to 12 months to maintain a bright smile. However, this can vary based on individual needs and preferences.
How to get Pearly White Teeth?
Cavities are caused by tooth decay due to bacteria, sugary foods, and poor oral hygiene. Symptoms include tooth pain, sensitivity, and visible holes or pits in teeth. They require professional treatment such as fillings, crowns, or root canals. On the other hand, stains are tooth discoloration without pain. They can be managed with professional dental cleaning, whitening treatments, and good oral hygiene.
Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents cavities and stains. Brush and floss daily, use fluoride toothpaste and avoid foods and drinks that can harm your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also helpful for maintaining a healthy and bright smile.
For expert dental care and to achieve pearly white teeth, schedule a free consultation with Bedford Dental Group today. Our experienced team, including Dr. Naysan, offers comprehensive dental services, including professional dental cleanings and whitening treatments.
