Cavity vs. Stain: What's the Difference?

Summary

If you brush and floss daily, but still notice discoloration on your teeth, you may have either a cavity or a stain.

In this article, we’ll cover the differences between cavities and stains, how to treat both, and our best tips for oral health so you can smile cavity- and stain-free.

Cavity vs. Stain: Definition and Causes

Cavity

Cavities form over time as the acid in plaque bacteria demineralizes tooth enamel, causing decay. As your tooth gradually decays, small holes may appear that look brown, grey, or black.

Several factors can make you susceptible to cavities, including poor dental hygiene, acid reflux, and dry mouth. You’re also more likely to get cavities if you consume too many acidic or sugary foods and drinks.

Tooth Stain

A tooth stain is surface discoloration that can range from a small spot on one tooth to completely covering several teeth. This discoloration can appear yellow, brown, gray, or even green in some cases.

Tooth stains occur from consuming certain stain-causing foods and beverages, such as berries, beets, coffee, tea, wine, and soda. In addition, smoking, taking certain medications, having tartar buildup, and aging can increase the probability of developing stains and tooth discoloration.

The Differences Between Cavities and Stains

Of course, if you think you have a cavity, the first step is to see your dentist. However, if you just notice discoloration and don’t experience any pain, the spot on your tooth may be a stain, and you may not need professional treatment.

Although cavities and stains can look quite similar, there are clear ways to tell them apart. Let's take a look.

Appearance

When trying to determine if discoloration is a cavity or a stain, watch its appearance over time.

Cavities may not be noticeable in the beginning stages of decay. However, as the demineralization process continues, you’ll likely notice brown, black, or grey spots (holes) that grow bigger and bigger. No amount of brushing will take away the spots.

A tooth stain, however, is temporary and can vary in size and shape, often shrinking and growing depending on other circumstances. It’s affected by your oral hygiene and can become bigger or smaller depending on what you eat and drink.

Symptoms

When determining if you have a cavity or tooth stain, there's nothing more telling than how you feel. Increased sensitivity — especially to hot or cold foods — or pain means it's likely a cavity. However, if you're just noticing discoloration, it's likely a stain.

Treating and Preventing Cavities

Cavity Treatments

Cavity treatment depends on the severity of the cavity. Your dentist will assess the extent of the decay and determine next steps.

Here are the most common treatment options:

Tooth Filling

Most cavities are treated with a tooth filling. Essentially, your dentist will remove the decay and fill the hole in the tooth with a composite resin restoration.

Crown

If the cavity is so extensive that you don’t have enough tooth structure for a filling, your dentist will put in a crown. A crown is a cap that goes over the tooth, protecting it from further decay.

Root Canal

If your cavity is severe enough to injure the nerve, your dentist will do a root canal and remove the nerve in your tooth.

Cavity Prevention

The best treatment for cavities is prevention. Here are some of the best ways to keep your teeth cavity-free.

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Good oral hygiene is the most important way you can prevent cavities. This includes brushing twice a day with the right toothbrush (more on this below) and using a toothpaste with stannous fluoride to properly clean and protect your teeth.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

Consider switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush for your daily oral care routine. Many electric toothbrushes come equipped with built-in timers and pressure sensors, making it easier to brush properly and consistently. These added features help promote better overall oral hygiene habits.

Floss Daily

In addition to brushing well, flossing at least once a day is important for dental hygiene. Flossing can remove any additional food and plaque stuck between your teeth that your toothbrush might miss.

Use a Mouthwash with Fluoride

After flossing, choose a mouthwash with fluoride to help strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to cavities.

Avoid Sugary, Sticky, and Acidic Foods

Sugary, sticky, and acidic foods are known to increase the risk of cavities, so try to avoid them. However, if you do indulge, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Eat Healthily

Try to fill up on fruit, fiber, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium.
High-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, stimulate saliva and protect against tooth decay, while whole grains keep gums healthy. Calcium-rich foods — like cheese, milk, and plain yogurt — help contribute to tooth enamel health.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Mark your calendar for at least two professional dental cleanings a year. Your dentist will be able to remove any excess plaque and tartar and evaluate your teeth for potential cavities.

Consider a Sealant

If you take all the right preventative steps and still get cavities, talk with your dentist about sealants. Sealants are protective coatings on the teeth that can strengthen them and eliminate cavities. It is common treatment for children.

Treating and Preventing Tooth Stains

Tooth Stain Treatments

Now that we've talked about cavities, let's look at how to address tooth stains.

Brush After Meals:

On top of your normal dental routine, consider brushing after you eat or drink (especially if you consume things that are apt to stain, such as coffee or tea).

Try Whitening Products:

You can also try over-the-counter whitening products, such as overnight serums, or at-home whitening kits.

Get a Professional Cleaning:

If at-home remedies don’t eliminate your tooth stains, talk to your dentist about dental bleaching either at home, in office, or combined.

The same prevention tips that can keep you from getting cavities will help prevent tooth stains. In addition to those tips, here are a couple of steps you can take to help keep stains at bay:

• Use a straw: Drink through a straw when sipping on any dark liquids that are likely to stain your teeth.
• Stop smoking: Nicotine can cause unsightly stains to build-up on your teeth.

Enjoy Your Pearly Whites Again

Now you know how to tell if your discolored tooth is the sign of a cavity or a tooth stain.

To keep your teeth in their best shape and help protect against stains and cavities, remember to practice the oral hygiene and other tips we mentioned here, and use an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush.

Our Radiant White brush head gently removes surface stains, helping to maintain your most radiant smile while protecting your enamel from further discoloration. In fact, the polishing petals in our Radiant White brushes result in 3.5 times slower stain build-up vs. manual brushes.

Oral-B iO brightens your smile today while improving its underlying health for tomorrow. Make Oral-B part of your daily routine for a brighter, whiter smile.