What Does A Cavity Look Like?

We all know cavities are bad news, but have you ever stopped to think, “What does a cavity actually look like?” It’s not always as obvious as a giant hole in your tooth, especially in the early stages. Recognizing the signs of tooth decay can help you seek treatment sooner and prevent further damage.

Let’s take a visual tour of what cavities can look like, from their subtle beginnings to more advanced stages.

The Early Signs: Often Hard to Spot Without a Professional

In their very initial stages, cavities are often invisible to the untrained eye. This is why regular dental check-ups are so crucial! Your dentist uses specialized tools and X-rays to detect these microscopic changes.

• White Spots: One of the earliest signs of demineralization (the first step towards a cavity) is the appearance of a small, chalky white spot on the tooth surface. This indicates that the enamel is losing minerals. It might be slightly rough to the touch, but it’s often overlooked. At this stage, the cavity might even be reversible with fluoride treatment and excellent oral hygiene!

As the Cavity Progresses: Noticeable Changes

As the decay progresses and more minerals are lost, the appearance of the cavity starts to change.

• Light Brown to Dark Brown/Black Spots: The white spot will begin to darken as the decay penetrates deeper into the enamel and dentin. It can appear light brown, dark brown, or even black. These spots might be small and localized, or they could spread across a larger area of the tooth. They might look like:
  • Small Pits or Grooves: Especially on the biting surfaces of your molars, cavities can form in the natural pits and fissures, appearing as dark lines or dots within these grooves.
  • Discoloration Between Teeth: If a cavity forms between two teeth, you might notice a grayish or brownish discoloration when you floss, or your dentist might spot it on an X-ray.
  • Rough Spots: The smooth surface of your enamel can become rough or even feel “sticky” when decay is present.

More Advanced Stages: The Obvious Signs

When a cavity is left untreated, it will continue to grow and become more noticeable.

• Visible Holes or Pits: This is what most people picture when they think of a cavity – a noticeable hole or pit in the tooth. This hole can range in size from tiny to quite large, sometimes even exposing the darker dentin layer underneath.
• Sensitivity: While not a visual sign, increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks is a common symptom of a progressing cavity. This sensitivity occurs as the decay gets closer to the nerve of the tooth.
• Pain: As the cavity deepens and affects the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), you may experience toothaches, especially when biting down or eating.
• Pus or Swelling (in severe cases): If the decay leads to an infection, you might see pus around the tooth or experience swelling in your gums or face. This is a sign of a dental emergency and requires immediate attention.

What to Do If You Spot a Cavity

If you notice any of the visual signs of a cavity, or if you’re experiencing any tooth sensitivity or pain, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen! Early detection and treatment can:

• Prevent the cavity from growing larger.
• Avoid more extensive and expensive treatments like root canals or extractions.
• Preserve your natural tooth structure.

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and a balanced diet) are your best defense against tooth decay. Your dentist can spot cavities long before they become visible to you, saving you pain, time, and money in the long run.

Visit Our Dental Office

If you’re concerned with cavities, visit our dental office in Estero to speak with our expert dentist!