A cavity, also known as dental caries, is an area of tooth decay that can form a small hole in the tooth structure. This damage occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth’s hard outer layer, called enamel. Recognizing these visual signs can help prompt timely dental visits, which are important for maintaining oral health.
Early Visual Signs of Cavities
One of the earliest indicators of a developing cavity is the appearance of white spots on the tooth surface. These areas, often appearing chalky or opaque white, signify demineralization, a process where minerals like calcium and phosphate begin to leach out of the enamel. Such spots are frequently observed near the gum line or on smooth tooth surfaces.
As decay progresses, subtle color changes may become apparent, manifesting as light brown or yellow discoloration. These slight shifts in hue can indicate early decay, often appearing in the natural pits and fissures of chewing surfaces or sometimes between teeth where plaque can accumulate. These changes suggest the enamel is weakening.
The affected enamel may also lose its natural sheen, appearing dull compared to healthy tooth surfaces. This dullness indicates a change in the enamel’s integrity, as the smooth, reflective surface begins to break down. A healthy tooth has a noticeable shine.
When touched with the tongue, the normally smooth enamel may feel slightly rough or “sticky”. This change in texture signals the initial breakdown of the tooth’s surface, where the enamel is no longer uniformly smooth due to early acid erosion.
Advanced Visual Signs of Cavities
As tooth decay advances, more distinct and visible signs emerge, such as dark brown or black spots. These spots are larger and more pronounced than early discolorations, often appearing on the chewing surfaces of molars or premolars, or sometimes visible between teeth. The darkening indicates significant progression of the decay.
A clear sign of advanced decay is the presence of visible holes or pits in the tooth surface. These are actual depressions or openings where the tooth structure has significantly broken down, and they can often be seen directly or felt with the tongue. Such holes indicate that the decay has eroded beyond the initial enamel layer.
Advanced decay can also weaken the tooth, leading to chipped or broken tooth structure. Pieces of enamel may break off, or the tooth may appear visibly fractured, especially in areas subjected to chewing forces. This weakening occurs as the decay undermines the tooth’s structural integrity.
Sometimes, decay can spread underneath the outer enamel layer, causing the overlying tooth structure to appear grayish. This gray discoloration suggests that the decay has reached the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, and is spreading internally.