A cavity, or dental caries, is a hole in a tooth caused by decay. Acids from bacteria feeding on sugars and starches erode the tooth’s enamel. Unaddressed, this erosion breaks down tooth structure, creating a noticeable opening. Recognizing common signs helps identify a cavity.
Initial Visual Indicators
Early visual signs of a cavity are subtle and often unnoticed without close examination. Small, chalky white spots on the tooth surface are a primary indicator. These signify demineralization, the initial breakdown of enamel minerals.
As decay progresses, these white spots may subtly change to light brown or grayish discoloration. Dullness or loss of natural luster can also occur, making the affected area appear less shiny than healthy enamel. These initial changes are often difficult to spot without professional dental insight.
Signs of Advanced Decay
When tooth decay progresses, the visual signs become more apparent and can indicate a more significant breakdown of the tooth structure. Dark spots or clearly visible holes, often referred to as pits, may form on the tooth surface. These can range in color from black to brown or dark grey, becoming more pronounced as the decay deepens.
A noticeable roughness or a change in texture on the tooth surface can also be present, which might be felt with the tongue. Visible holes or pits may become large enough to trap food particles. In more severe instances, the decayed area can weaken the tooth structure, leading to a cracked or broken tooth.
In very advanced cases, particularly if an infection has developed, there might be signs of pus or swelling around the gum line near the affected tooth. This indicates that the decay has reached the innermost layers of the tooth, potentially causing an abscess. Such severe visual cues necessitate immediate dental attention.
Accompanying Symptoms
Cavities often present with non-visual symptoms that can signal their presence, even before any physical changes are obvious. A common indicator is tooth sensitivity, which can manifest as a sharp or mild pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This sensitivity occurs as the decay erodes the enamel, exposing the more sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
Individuals might also experience mild to sharp pain specifically when eating or drinking. This discomfort can be localized to the affected tooth or radiate to surrounding areas. Pain that occurs spontaneously, without any clear trigger, can also be a symptom of a progressing cavity, indicating deeper nerve involvement.
An unpleasant taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath can accompany more advanced decay, resulting from the accumulation of bacteria and food debris within the cavity. Additionally, pain when biting down can signal that the cavity has progressed to a point where the tooth’s structure is compromised or the underlying nerve is affected by pressure.
Seeking Professional Care
If any of the described visual signs or accompanying symptoms are noticed, consulting a dentist is an important next step. Only a dental professional can definitively diagnose a cavity and determine the extent of the decay. Dentists use a combination of visual examinations, probing the tooth surface, and often X-rays to identify cavities, including those not visible to the naked eye or located between teeth.
Early detection of cavities is beneficial, as it often allows for less invasive and more straightforward treatment options. For example, very early demineralization can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatments. Addressing cavities promptly can prevent them from growing larger, which would require more extensive procedures and potentially lead to more severe pain or tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups are thus important for identifying and treating decay before it becomes a problem.