TL;DR:
Wondering what a cavity looks like on a tooth or how to tell if you have a cavity? This blog breaks down everything you need to know about spotting the early signs of tooth decay before it becomes a bigger issue.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The five stages of tooth decay, from demineralization to abscess
- What cavities look like in early, mild, and severe forms
- How to recognize cavities on molars, X-rays, and even hidden areas between teeth
- The difference between stains and real decay
- Simple and effective ways to prevent cavities before they start
How do you spot a cavity?
If there’s a hole in your tooth, that means it has a cavity that’s progressed to an advanced stage of decay, and that’s usually fairly easy to spot. But some of the early signs of a cavity are a little less obvious.
In this blog post, we attempt to answer all your questions about cavities and finding them. The signs of a cavity depend on the severity of the problem and where it is located in your mouth. Often, you might not even know you have a cavity until the area of decay becomes more prominent and you develop symptoms. In other words, sometimes, it’s harder to spot a cavity visually than it is to feel it in your mouth.
Fortunately, there are ways to detect a cavity early on and things you can do to prevent a cavity from forming in the first place. But before we get there, let’s talk about some common visual signs of cavities and the stages of tooth decay that cause them.
What Does the Start of a Cavity Look Like?
Visibly seeing a cavity, especially in the early stages, can be difficult. By understanding the stages of cavities, however, you can know what to look out for.
What Are the Stages of Tooth Decay?
These are the five stages of tooth decay. Understanding the process of a cavity can help you detect it sooner, take measures to prevent cavities, and practice good oral hygiene.
1. Demineralization
Demineralization is when your tooth begins to accumulate plaque and lose calcium. This starts when the plaque’s bacteria feed on the sugar you consume, releasing an acid as the sugar metabolizes it.
The acid is released onto your tooth’s enamel, causing your tooth to have white spots in the affected area due to the loss of essential minerals. To treat demineralization, you will need a fluoride treatment or minerals such as hydroxyapatite to replenish the ones your tooth has lost.
2. Enamel Decay
This stage is when your tooth’s enamel begins to decay. During this process, the white spots on your teeth turn brownish. If left untreated, these brownish spots on your tooth will become a cavity. To treat enamel decay, you will need a filling.
3. Dentin Decay
If your enamel decay is untreated, your tooth will progress to the dentin decay stage. In this stage, the decay spreads to the next layer of your tooth, the dentin. Since this layer is softer than enamel, the acid damage is quicker.
You will likely notice symptoms when you experience dentin decay, such as extreme tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, and sugary foods. You must visit your dentist if you begin to feel this extreme sensitivity. To treat dentin decay, you will either need a filling or a crown replacement, depending on the severity of the decay.
4. Pulp Decay
During the pulp decay stage, the decay will have already taken over the center of your tooth, leaving a hole in your tooth. In this stage, you will feel notable pain near your affected tooth.
When the decay reaches the center of your tooth, it targets the nerve endings and blood vessels that are inside, causing more pain. To treat pulp decay, you will need a root canal.
5. Abscess
An abscess is the last stage of tooth decay. In this stage, the bacteria takes over your tooth’s root and causes an infection.
You will know if you have an infection when pus forms at the bottom of your affected tooth. If an abscess is left untreated, it will cause damage to your jawbone and the surrounding tissues. To treat an abscess, you will need a root canal. For severe cases, a dental extraction may be necessary.
How to Tell If a Spot Is a Cavity
Sometimes, spots on your teeth can be stains, appearing to be white, brown or black. Stains are often mistaken for cavities because they share similar colors. Typically, a white spot tends to signal that a cavity is forming.
If your teeth are stained, they are usually brown due to consuming coffee, soda, or tea.
If in doubt about whether a spot is a cavity or a stain, usually, cavities, except ones in the earliest stages, are accompanied by some degree of pain or sensitivity, so a change in color along with this is usually of a good indicator of a cavity rather than a stain.
If in doubt, a comprehensive examination by a qualified dentist can get you answers.
How to Prevent Cavities
The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet. Some tips to help prevent cavities include:
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Use a toothpaste with nanohydroxyapatite and/or fluoride
- Floss once daily
- Eat foods rich in vitamins
- Cut back on sugary or acidic foods
Conclusion
You may be at risk for cavities if you snack between meals, consume sugary meals or drinks, have cracked or chipped teeth, or have a personal or family history of cavities. Cavities can be prevented by regularly visiting your dentist and practicing good oral hygiene.
Check out Dr Kami’s Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk to order your copy today!
What Does a Cavity Look Like: FAQs
How do you tell if you have a cavity?
Some cavities don’t cause pain until they’re more advanced, so it’s important to watch for early signs. Sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold drinks, or visible dark spots on your teeth are common indicators. A dentist can confirm if you have a cavity—even a hidden one—with a clinical exam and X-rays.
How do you tell if it’s really a cavity or not?
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a cavity or just a stain or sensitivity, check for symptoms like persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or visible spots on your tooth. Unlike a surface stain, a cavity usually gets worse over time and doesn’t go away with regular brushing. Still unsure? The best way to figure out definitively is to visit a dentist, who can diagnose a cavity using X-rays and a clinical exam.
What does a stage 1 cavity look like?
A stage 1 cavity starts as demineralization, often seen as white or chalky spots on the tooth’s enamel. These spots may be hard to notice without a dental exam. At this point, the decay hasn’t broken through the enamel yet, so early treatment like fluoride or hydroxyapatite can sometimes reverse the damage.
What does a cavity look like on a front tooth?
A cavity on a front tooth may look like a white, brown, or black spot or a small hole in the tooth. If you notice changes in your tooth’s color or surface, a dentist can determine whether it’s a cavity.
What does a cavity between teeth look like?
A cavity between teeth—also called an interproximal cavity—often starts as a hidden problem. You may not see it right away, but symptoms like food getting stuck, bad breath, or pain when flossing are possible indicators. These cavities typically appear as dark spots or shadows on X-rays, and your dentist can confirm if one is developing.
What does a hidden cavity look like?
A hidden cavity is a hole between your teeth or in crevices you can’t easily see or reach. You might still feel pain or tooth sensitivity. If you believe you have a hidden cavity, your dentist can confirm it using an X-ray.
What do small cavities look like?
Small cavities may look like white or brown spots and can be tricky to identify without a dental exam. As they grow, they may turn dark and eventually lead to sensitivity or visible holes.
Is a cavity always a black hole?
No, not always. While severe cavities may appear as black holes or pits in the tooth, they don’t usually start that way. Most often, cavities begin as white spots. Then, they turn brown. Finally, they may eventually become black if left untreated. That black hole is often a sign that the decay has reached deeper layers of the tooth and needs professional treatment.
What does a cavity look like on an X-ray?
On an X-ray, cavities appear as dark areas on the tooth. They start on the enamel, which looks lighter, and darken as the decay moves into the dentin. Dentists use these dark shadows to identify the location and severity of the cavity.
Will a cavity heal itself?
In its earliest stage—before the enamel is broken—there’s a small window where a cavity can be remineralized and reversed. But it won’t do that on it’s own; you’ll have to use fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and practice excellent oral hygiene. However, once the cavity progresses beyond demineralization and enamel damage occurs, it is not possible to heal a cavity, and it will require a dental filling or other treatment.
