Can stains be mistaken for cavities?

Stains may resemble cavities but seem to shrink or grow rather than steadily get bigger. They may even disappear after brushing your teeth or changing your diet.

Can a dark spot on a tooth not be a cavity?

Dark spots on our teeth need not always be cavities. Naturally occurring dark spots caused by staining of the teeth are a common condition that very often goes undetected. Tooth discoloration is usually present in the very small pits and ridges on the surface of human teeth.

How long does it take for a cavity to rot your teeth?

It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.

How can you tell if its a cavity or stain?

The brown, black, or grey spot on the teeth is a sign of a cavity, while the discoloration of teeth is a stain. A stain is a result of drinks and food and is not sticky. However, the cavity damages the teeth. It provides an ideal environment for bacteria and plaque to grow in the teeth, destroying them.

Is a dark spot a cavity?

Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. A hole in the tooth’s protective layer sometimes shows as a black dot.

What happens if you leave tooth decay untreated?

Cavities don’t just go away on their own. If you ignore a cavity, it will continue to grow in size. One bad cavity could lead to a second cavity before long. Decay of the tooth will widen and deepen; this will make you more prone to brittle teeth leaving them to the possibility of cracking and breaking.

What happens if you have a cavity for too long?

If you leave a cavity for too long, you can seriously damage your teeth and even the surrounding area. These are some of the things that can happen if you don’t treat a cavity: The nerves in your tooth will be damaged. The gums around your tooth can also be damaged.