Is It a Cavity or Stain? How to Find Out

 Question for today is -

Why doesn't my dentist fix the little black dots and black lines on my teeth? Aren't these cavities?

Black Line or Blackspot

If your food is getting stuck in the Black Line or Black Spot and It is present on the surface like in this 1st picture

Then more likely it is a CAVITY due to caries.

The dentist confirms the Cavity which is present on the Black Line or Black Spot by probing the surface of the tooth.

If Probe goes inside the Line or Spot and food particle comes with the probe then definitely it is a cavity due to caries and it needs immediate attention of the dentist.

Black Stains

Black Stains are Superficial, These stains are due to plaque formation. Plaque is a white, sticky biofilm which is formed every day.

Black or Brown Stains like those present in the picture

on teeth which could be present due to many reasons.

Topmost reasons are

-Tea, Coffee

-Smoking, Tobacco Habits

-You might have taken some medication, (antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline can affect enamel formation in children under the age of 8, tetracycline, Antihistamines, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, heart rhythm medications, and diuretics, Cancer medication, etc.)

-You are not brushing at night / in the morning / or using datun or using red paste.

-Genetically

-Water in your area

-Improper Teeth Alignment and so your brush is not able to clean those areas.

Now you have to see in your tooth.

If your food is getting stuck in it, more likely it is a cavity, you need to get it filled.

If your food is not getting stuck then it is Stains that you can easily remove with a toothbrush, then those stains are more likely black/brown stains and do not require filling.

Stains can easily be removed with Brushing, Mouthwashes, and a dental treatment called Scaling, Curettage, Root Planning.