92% of people in the age bracket of 20-64 get at least one cavity in their teeth.

Some people are more likely to get cavities than others.

Mostly, people identify a cavity when it starts spreading or becomes visible.

Not recognizing a cavity in teeth can be dangerous.

In the worst-case scenario, the person may even lose a tooth.

Therefore, today, we will discuss queries like "What does a cavity look like?" and an overview of the problem.

Also Read: Cavity Symptoms: Placing More Importance to Dental Care

Cavity In Teeth (Explained)

A physical hole that forms inside your tooth is called a cavity. 

Other names for dental cavities include caries, cavitated lesions, or the common term–tooth decay.

Tooth enamel degradation causes cavities to develop in the outermost layer.

The bacteria that generate tooth plaque release acid byproducts as they break down food particles, which causes erosion. 

These acids erode your tooth enamel until a hole is made in it.

You can stop the acids from eroding your enamel and causing a cavity by breaking up the dental plaque. 

If you brush your teeth thoroughly enough to get rid of those plaque particles daily, a cavity in teeth becomes avoidable.

The majority of us associate a cavity in teeth with enormous, gaping black holes. 

In reality, in the demineralization and drying-out processes in etched-out enamel, the majority of cavities begin as white patches. 

As the dental decay process intensifies, a cavity in teeth may acquire stains that turn them brown or black.

If that happens, you have a moderate to severe stage of tooth decay.

What Does a Cavity Look Like

A cavity is typically only visible as a shadow on your dental X-ray. 

When a tooth feels sticky and has regions of discoloration on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, you may be able to notice a cavity.

Smooth surface cavities are less common. When they occur on the gumline—the enamel appears pale or brown. 

The degradation appears different from the preceding stage the further along it is.

A cavity in teeth can appear in more than one form. 

Depending on where it is and how bad it is, it can alter its appearance.

Nonetheless, there are a few typical symptoms that work as indicators. 

Common Locations of Cavity in Teeth

Because the position of a cavity can affect how it looks, let's see which parts of the teeth may get affected:

1.The Front Tooth Cavity

It may be easier to spot a cavity on the front tooth. There may be a brown or white patch. 

This type of cavity in teeth shows whenever an individual opens their mouth. This may make people extremely uncomfortable. And some may even shy away from visiting a dentist. 

2.Cavity Between Teeth

Without a dental X-ray, these cavities are also referred to as interproximal cavities.

When dental plaque builds up in the spaces between your teeth, this cavity in teeth appears.

3.Cavity on the Side of the Tooth

Dental plaque buildup on the tooth's side is the cause of this kind of cavity. You may observe a black, brown, or grey stain that doesn't go away even with regular brushing.

4.Cavity Behind the Tooth 

Usually, it is hard to clean the back of the teeth. Hence, a cavity may develop there without your knowledge. On running your tongue over the back of your teeth, you may feel a dent or unevenness.

5 Signs of a Cavity in Teeth

There are several signs of a cavity in teeth that indicate that you need immediate dental care.

1.Discoloration 

If you are wondering, "What does the start of a cavity look like?" here is the answer: it looks white and chalky.

A cavity in teeth may be indicated by dark spots or discoloration on your teeth, especially around the edges. 

These patches may be white, black, or brown. If you see any yellowing or stains, seek treatment.

2.Pain or Toothache

A toothache or other pain is among the most typical indicators of a cavity.

The discomfort may continue for a few seconds or several minutes and can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. 

If the pain is not managed, it may become excruciating and persistent. 

It is true that not every toothache or pain indicates the presence of a cavity in teeth. Well, that gives you more reasons to visit a dental clinic. 

3.Sensitivity to Extreme Temperatures

The person may feel sensitive to hot or cold temperatures with a cavity in teeth.

The nerves may become exposed and susceptible to increased sensitivity when the injury extends deep into the tooth's core.

On eating or drinking something hot or cold, this sensitivity may strike unexpectedly and linger for a few seconds. 

It may be accompanied by pain or discomfort and is typically felt in one or more teeth.

If this condition is causing you endless discomfort, read our blog on managing sensitive teeth.

4.Pus or Swelling Surrounding Teeth 

When a cavity in teeth is more advanced, the affected area may expand or produce pus. 

This may indicate that the infection has progressed to the nearby tissues and is turning into an abscess that must be treated immediately.

Apart from pus, the person may experience the following:

• Foul breath

• Severe tooth pain

• Bad taste in the mouth 

• Discomfort in the gums, ears, or jaw

  5.Teeth Holes

Teeth pits, or holes are another indication that you might have a cavity. These holes can vary in size and severity, and your dentist may find them during a normal examination or when you can't see them with the naked eye.

Fillings are necessary to close the holes and stop the cavity from getting worse.

Treatments for Removing Cavity in Teeth

Here are the treatments to remove a cavity in teeth:

1.Pulling Out Teeth

Generally, the aim of a dentist is to save the remaining portion of the tooth because it is better for the oral structure.

Sometimes, the dentist has to extract a tooth if a cavity has damaged it too severely. 

Additionally, they decide to extract a baby tooth if it has a significant cavity and is going to fall out anyhow. 

Related Blog: Tooth Extraction Vs. Root Canal: Exploring Treatment Options

2.Dental Fillings

Fillings are a common and less painful treatment for a cavity in teeth.

Nowadays, dentists provide a wide variety of filling material options. 

You can select the one that suits your financial and aesthetic needs, and it may even be covered by dental insurance. 

Below, you will find the filling options to replace the cavity in teeth with their benefits and drawbacks.

Cast gold: It is robust and long-lasting but pricey, difficult to install, and discoloured relative to the natural colour of the tooth

Silver (amalgam): It is strong and reasonably priced. It has an artificial appearance, takes up additional space in the tooth, and may contain minute levels of mercury.

Composite: It is great for repairing chipped or fractured teeth but wears out more quickly and is more expensive than silver fillings.

Ceramic: It is stain-resistant and costs as much as gold.

Glass ionomer: It can be used with very young children, beneath the gum line, and around nerves.

The dentist numbs the surrounding tissue around the tooth with dental anesthesia to prevent pain before inserting the filling. 

After that, a little dental tool extracts the tooth's decaying portion.

If the filling is composite, it may require a cure for a brief period after it is installed. The filler is polished and trimmed in the last step.

Difference Between Cavity in Teeth & Stains

At times, when we see brown or black spots on our teeth, it's usually due to accumulation on the exterior of the tooth enamel. 

Dark liquids, such as coffee or tea, are easy to stain, and tartar accumulation also picks up stains from some foods and beverages.

A dental hygienist can usually remove brown or black spots caused by tartar and stains during your cleaning visit.

Meanwhile, a cavity in teeth remains there and continues to spread throughout your tooth if you don't get it removed.

How to Avoid a Cavity in Teeth

The following are some practical methods for preventing a cavity in teeth:

Brushing: It is best to use fluoride toothpaste for brushing your teeth at least twice daily. When it comes to preventing cavities, fluoride fortifies tooth enamel, increasing its resistance to acid attacks.

Consider Fluoride Treatments: When a patient doesn't receive enough fluoride from their tap water, dentists advise fluoride treatments. Those who use bottled water and aren't receiving fluoride from external sources may have a higher risk of decay than the individuals who receive fluoride treatments.

Flossing: Especially in the spaces between your teeth, where cavities are most likely to lurk. Flossing helps to get rid of leftover food particles and bothersome plaque that your toothbrush is unable to reach.

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Steer clear of sugar-filled snacks and drinks. Cavities may occur due to the acid bacteria created after the consumption of such meals. It reverses the effects of brushing your teeth and increases your risk of cavities. Limit your munching to once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and brush your teeth afterward.

Dental Checkups: Schedule routine cleanings and dental exams with your dentist.

Get Dental Sealants: The chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth are coated with a protective substance called a sealant. They serve as a shield, keeping acid and plaque away from the teeth.

Keep Yourself Hydrated: Water helps keep salivary glands active and helps wash away food particles. Saliva neutralizes acids and aids in remineralizing teeth, making it your mouth's natural defence against a cavity in teeth.

Don't Bottle Feed Kids at Night: Giving a baby milk or juice in a bottle before bedtime may cause a cavity in teeth. If the kid sleeps with the bottle in their mouth, it exposes their teeth to excessive amounts of sugar overnight. Establish a bedtime eating limit and get them into the habit of brushing their teeth early. 

FAQs

What occurs if a cavity persists for a long period?

Over time, a small cavity in teeth grows into a larger one. The deeper layers of your teeth are impacted by decay as it progresses. Pain, infection, and tooth loss are the future. For long-term dental health, early intervention is crucial.

Can a cavity reverse by itself?

It is possible to reverse cavities in their very early phases. Enamel on teeth is self-repairing. With fluoride treatments and better oral hygiene, you may be able to remineralize your teeth if a cavity is very small and hasn't yet penetrated through your enamel.

What happens when you ignore a cavity in your teeth?

You may require a filling, crown, or other dental restoration if the cavity extends to your dentin.

Does dental flossing reduce cavities?

Just like brushing, flossing by itself cannot prevent cavities. Nevertheless, consistent flossing can eliminate plaque and other bacteria that cause cavities from in between teeth. 

Why is flossing important if you have a cavity in your teeth?

Flossing is great to reach the places where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Furthermore, food particles can get stuck between the gums and the tooth, causing bleeding gums and even gum disease. With flossing, you get rid of them.

Summary

Every tooth and cavity are distinct from one another. Any variation from your teeth's natural colour or texture indicates a cavity in teeth.

With the prevention methods mentioned above, you can keep your breath fresh and reverse cavities on the onset.

However, bear in mind that not all cavities, particularly in the early stages, can be seen in the mirror. 

For this reason, you need to visit professionals like KWC Dental.