Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 2/27/2006

Question
Hey there,

I have an odd question.  I just noticed in the mirror that I have small brown stains on my teeth.  they are located inbetween my two front teeth, on the corner of my left tooth and on top of the left front tooth.  I checked the back of my teeth and found no marks, and they don't hurt.  I haven't drank much soda, and i have brushed my teeth since then.  Is this a simple stain, or the brink of a cavatiy?

have a great day,
Candice

Answer
Candice
Without seeing the teeth in person, I have no good way of giving you a definitive answer. The only way to find this out is to call your dentist and go in for an xray and exam. It is easy to see on a film. If it is stain, it should polish right off. There is one simple way to try to get off stain...dip your brush into some hydrogen peroxide and then dip the moistened brush into some baking soda. This makes a slurry on the brush. You can try to brush the area with this and see if the stain goes away.

Otherwise, call your dentist and get a definite diagnosis. Good luck,

Jeff Dalin, DDS