Cavities typically appear as small white or brown spots on the chewing surfaces of teeth. In the early stages, they may just look like faint white markings that are hard to see. As they progress, the spots will develop into small pitted lesions or holes in the enamel.
It can appear as a very small white spot on the tooth’s chewing surface. As it worsens over time from untreated tooth decay, the cavity progresses in size. A small cavity will show up as a visible pit that catches light.
As it grows larger, it becomes clearly visible to the naked eye as a hole extending into the tooth. A large cavity penetrating deep into the tooth structure near the dental pulp requires more extensive treatment like a root canal.
If left untreated, cavities can lead to full destruction of a tooth. Early detection by seeing signs of demineralization or a minute pitting allows for the least invasive treatment intervention.
Table of Contents
- What causes cavities
- what does a cavity look like
- Symptoms that mean you have a cavity
- How to get rid of cavities
- Key takeaway
What causes cavities
Frequent intake of foods and beverages high in sugar provides an ideal fuel source to boost S. mutans populations in the mouth. Things like candy, cookies, soda, juice and dried fruit raise cavity risk the most if prolonged chewing or sipping is involved.
When plaque and food particles aren’t properly removed from tooth surfaces through daily brushing, flossing and cleaning between teeth, cavity-causing bacteria have more to feed on. They multiply rapidly and acid production increases.
Conditions causing reduced saliva flow like Sjögren’s syndrome or certain medications put people at higher risk. Saliva balances pH and dilutes acids, so low levels impact this protection against demineralization.
Some families may be predisposed to harboring more cavity-causing microbiota in the oral biofilm due to traits passed down from caregivers. However, diligent home care routines can help manage increased genetic risk factors.
Maintaining good hygiene habits and limiting sugar intake are important defenses against conditions that could disrupt the normal dental bacterial balance and raise chances of decay over time.
what does a cavity look like
Cavities typically appear as small white or brown spots on the chewing surfaces of teeth.In the early stages, they may just look like faint white markings that are hard to see.Here’s what early and further developed cavities may look like:
- Early cavity: A small white spot or brown spot forms on the chewing surface. Further examination with tools may reveal a demineralized area of enamel that feels slightly rough compared to surrounding healthy enamel. These very early lesions can sometimes be reversed with remineralization.
- Small cavity: The defect is visible as a small pit in enamel that catches and reflects light. It may appear as a black, dark brown or white spot and can be felt as a depression with a probe. Treatment involves a filling.
- Large cavity: The hole extends deeper into the tooth, approaching or invading the inner soft dentin layer. It will be clearly visible as a gaping opening with unaided sight. Larger cavities near the dental pulp may require root canal therapy followed by a crown.
- Root cavity: Decay extends beneath the gumline on a tooth root. It cannot be seen without proper examination and usually causes no immediate toothache until quite advanced due to root canals lacking nerve supply.
That covers the main appearance changes as a cavity progresses from its earliest stage through to an untreated tooth with a sizeable destruction of structure. Catching them small is ideal for preservation of natural teeth.
Symptoms that mean you have a cavity
One most common early warnings is increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As the cavity progresses deeper, sensitivity will increase and may persist for some time after eating.
Another early sign is the appearance of small white, brown, or dark spots on tooth surfaces. Upon further examination with probes or explorers, dentists may detect minute depressions in the enamel in these areas, suggesting demineralization from acid attacks. Larger cavities will be visible as pitted holes or gaps.
Suffering painful episodes, particularly in response to sweets, is a telltale symptom. This occurs as decay compromises the hard outer layer and irritates the softer dentin. Left untreated, the pain may worsen and even radiate to other nearby teeth.
Advanced cavities could also prompt difficulty chewing on one side of the mouth or bad breath and tastes emanating from the oral cavity. These may be accompanied by gum inflammation or tender and swollen tissue.
While symptoms may vary, any unexplained sensitivity, discomfort, pain or visual changes should be evaluated by a dentist. Catching and addressing potential cavities at early stages helps avoid more extensive treatment needs as they penetrate deeper tooth structures over time.
How to get rid of cavities
Practicing Good Daily Oral Hygiene
The foundation is proper brushing techniques. It’s important to brush teeth 2 minutes twice a day . Focus the brush on along the gumline and between teeth where decay often starts.
Flossing once daily with 18-24 inches of floss is also critical. This helps dislodge any debris brushing misses. Make flossing part of your regular routine. Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash following brushing provides extra protection.
X-Rays help Spot Hidden Cavities
Cavities do not always appear clearly on the surface of teeth where they can be seen. Some may start forming internally, between teeth or below existing fillings where they can’t be visually observed. Taking dental x-rays periodically allows the dentist to see beyond the outer surfaces and examine areas not viewable during regular oral exams. X-rays reveal demineralization appearing as shadows within tooth structures at their earliest, most treatable stages.
Sealants Protect Vulnerable Pits and Fissures
Areas like back tooth grooves that trap food are common cavity sites. Sealants fill these depressions, creating a smooth surface that’s easy to clean and cavities can’t initiate within. They’ve been found to reduce decay risk in sealed molars by over 70%.
Fillings Replace Removed Decay
Once a cavity is found, it must be drilled out with a filling material. Composites and amalgams restore the tooth’s structure. This stops progression so the tooth doesn’t require more extensive work in the future.
Limiting Refined Carbs and Sugars
Skipping snacks and decreasing sugar intake means fewer acid attacks on enamel throughout the day. Choosing water instead of acidic drinks also protects tooth material. With diligent care at home and professionally, existing cavities can be remedied and future ones avoided.
Key takeaway
- Caused by bacteria producing acid from sugars. Acid dissolves enamel.
- Frequent sugary snacking fuels bacteria to make more acid.
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily to remove plaque.
- Limit refined carbs and sugars to reduce bacterial acid output.
- Regular cleanings let dentists find cavities early for easy fixes.