Posted on 11/7/2022 by DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care
A tooth stain and a cavity can have a similar appearance and can be confusing as they affect the tooth's enamel. Similarly, they both point to poor oral hygiene. However, a few differences can help you distinguish between the two. It is important to do this so that you can know the necessary dental care or medical attention to take.
Tooth Stain
A tooth stain is basically a discoloration of the tooth's enamel and usually takes the colors yellow, brown, and brown-black. Darkly colored drinks like coffee, sugary drinks like soda, and acidic foods are responsible for tooth stains. Regular tobacco, poor dental hygiene, and certain medication are also accountable for tooth staining.
Cavity
Cavities unlike tooth stains, affect the surface of the enamel and the inside of the enamel. The cavity is the erosion of the tooth enamel, causing holes in the teeth. When plaque builds up, it creates an adherence surface for acids formed from the digestion of sugar by bacteria, allowing the acids to erode the enamel. As the cavity grows, it can cause various symptoms, like pain when eating or when eating hot and cold foods and drinks.
Treating Tooth Stains
Tooth stains can be prevented by regularly brushing your teeth, especially after eating foods that cause tooth staining. Home remedies like baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide are good tips to treat tooth staining. Additionally, your dentist can prescribe some tooth-whitening agents that can remove tooth stains. You can also consult teeth-whitening professionals to enhance the results.
Treating Cavities
In the early stages, before the cavities progress, the application of fluoride on the affected area can stop and reverse the damage. Fillings are a treatment that involves filling up the cavity with porcelain or composite resins. When the hole has reached the pulp, you can try a root canal- the removal of the affected area and replacing it with a filling- or an extraction, the complete removal of the teeth.
About | Dentist Spring Hill, FL | DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi We here at O'Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Click to learn more about us! DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care - Dr. James DeLuca DMD, Dr. Nick Ressel DMD, 3429 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 | (352) 666-9898 | springhilldentist.com | 9/11/2024 | Page Terms:dentist spring hill fl |
A tooth stain and a cavity can have a similar appearance and can be confusing as they affect the tooth's enamel. Similarly, they both point to poor oral hygiene. However, a few differences can help you distinguish between the two. It is important to do this so that you can know the necessary dental care or medical attention to take.