What does A Cavity Look Like?

If you have had a filling from your dentist in the past, then that filling was done to cover your cavity and prevent it from spreading. A cavity is a simple hole in your tooth that can start on the tooth's surface. If untreated, it will continue to make a dent in the teeth and nerves connected to the teeth. Once the pain gets deep into the tooth, it can cause immense pain and infect other teeth. In this article, we will find out What does a cavity look like?

And how can one prevent a dental cavity? Signs of a cavity depend on how serious it is and whether it is located in the mouth. Cavity symptoms are visible until the damaged region of the tooth becomes bigger. However, if cavities are detected at a young age, several particular treatments and preventative methods are available. Continue reading to find out how to identify whether you have a cavity.

What Does a Cavity Look Like?

The cavity is a dark spot on the tooth or sometimes can appear yellow, brown, or black. Early on, it can resemble tooth staining or slight discoloration. As the cavity progresses, the holes become more prominent and darker. A little dot can consume your entire teeth in a limited period. Cavities can look different for every person. Sometimes it becomes essential to check the teeth very slowly and carefully with the help of an X-ray to look for clues and symptoms to find a sign of a cavity. 

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What Does Cavity Look Like before it is spotted?

There can be many ways of knowing What a cavity looks like. You can note the points below and check this with your healthcare professional.

1. General Tooth sensitivity - It is widespread to find out about a cavity with tooth sensitivity. You can have a mild or severe sensitivity in your teeth, suggesting tooth decay. Sensitivity is a common symptom of tooth decay and can appear out of nowhere. 
2. Pain when eating or drinking - Sensitivity or pain can be noticeable when eating or drinking many food items. Particular food and beverages that are too hot or cold can often cause pain, and even many sweet foods and liquids can trigger sensitivity and can relate to a cavity. Check with your dentist to see if your sensitivity leads to a cavity or other tooth issues.
3. Pain With Pressure - If you feel pressure in the teeth when applying pain, it can indicate tooth decay. A sharp pain in the tooth can put pressure or bite or be due to a dental cavity. 
4. Toothache - while detecting a cavity in the tooth, pain, and mild condition are flexibly present. But it is possible to see tooth decay in the early stages. If ignored, a toothache can cause severe pain and problems with eating or talking.
5. Holes or Pits in Teeth - Wondering what a cavity looks like, you can see the tiny holes in the tooth and find out if decay is occurring. If you see a little dent, spot, or pit in your tooth, this could mean that the cavity cab, indeed, is present. Visit your dentist if you need to check the health of your teeth.
6. Discoloration of teeth - Another visible sign of tooth cavities can be the discoloration of teeth. A spot or stain on the tooth can appear bright white, brown, or black. Although it could be a natural strain, then check with your doctor.
7. Bad breath - bad cavity can be present in the selection due to food particles and become a ground for bacteria that can cause bad breath. Therefore lousy breath can result in a bad taste in your mouth and could be a symptom of a tooth cavity.

Also Read: Why You Should Treat Dental Cavities ASAP

What does a cavity look like under an X-ray?

You may wonder What a dentist can look like on an X-ray. Here is a confirmation that a cavity exists in one or more teeth. A hole under an X-ray will look like a darker spot on the shadow of the tooth, while a typical filling can appear as a much brighter spot on the teeth.

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Simple ways of preventing cavities

Prevention is better than cure. It is straightforward to prevent cavities. One can stop the loss of minerals in the teeth and replenish those minerals. This is called remineralization.

1. A simple way of developing a habit of keeping cavities at bay is brushing your teeth twice a day.
2. You are using fluoride toothpaste and brushing away the debris of the bacteria from the plaque on your teeth and the gumline when the enamel of the teeth is healthy.
3. Floss your teeth daily; it will help prevent any sticky material in the teeth from causing a cavity. 
4. Limit your sugar intake and brush your teeth often.
5. Chew gums that are free from sugar. 
6. You can also look for dental sealants to prevent tooth decay.

Also Read: Tooth decay & sugar: The connection

Summary - 

A Cavity looks like a hole or a dark spot on the teeth. One can feel a gap in the teeth with the help of the tongue. You can also sense a cavity if you have the following conditions: pain, sensitivity, or discoloration in some teeth. Bacteria that cause tooth decay can also spread lousy breath, indicating or suggesting that you need to get a checkup for your teeth. It is better to visit our dentist on time as this will help prevent your teeth from becoming completely hollow and prevent the spread of infection to the nerve endings.

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