Cavities vs Stains?


Question:
How can you tell the difference between a black stain on your tooth from a cavity? Is it how it feels? The size? please help!!

(can you have a cavity on an intact sealant?)

Answers:
i've never had a cavity, so I can't tell you whether or not it hurts... but a cavity is a small hole in your enamel, so I would advise using a dental pick see if the stain scrapes off.
You can't tell, only a dentist can. Sometimes the tiniest little dot can harbor a huge cavity underneath. If you have a check up every 6 months, don't worry. Just ask at your next appointment. (unless it hurts then just go in.)
Th best way, other than going to a dentist, is to put a piece of ice on it. If it's a cavity, it should have sensetivity to the cold. Another method, although I would not suggest using it, it to touch the area in question with the tine of a fork or other metal object. If it hurts (almost like an electrical shock) it's a good bet that cavities are present.

Either way, whether the teeth are stained or they have cavities, you really need to consider going to a dentist. The stains could be an indication of something more serious.
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