Do your teeth sting when you consume anything hot or cold? It could be due to cavities. Want to know what does a cavity look like and how to spot them? Let’s discuss everything you need to know.
What is a cavity?
A dental cavity is a hole in one of your teeth caused due to the breakdown of the enamel. This hole is because of the gradual buildup of food particles and its reaction with the bacteria of your mouth.
What does a cavity look like?
Cavity, also known as a dental cary, has varied visual appearances. Its color scheme ranges from white, brown to black spots. The color depends on the stage at which the cavity buildup is in.
You must be wondering what a cavity looks like when it emerges on the front or sides of the tooth? Well, its shape entirely depends on the growth. It appears to be light brown spots during the early stages, mimicking the stains left by tea or coffee, and then grows black in color.
It initially seems like a dot, black line, or hole. If left untreated, they grow and start to cover up the entire tooth, eating their way into the tooth’s sensitive layers, causing pain and sensitivity.
Once it goes through the deeper layers, the cavity cannot be reversed, leading to tooth decay.
Signs and symptoms of a cavity on the tooth
- sharp pain while chewing
- sudden pain impulse at rest
- hole in the tooth
- black or brown spots
- foul mouth odor
- sensitivity to hot or cold
- bleeding gums
- pain when pressure is applied
Cavity and children
These two terms go side by side. Children aged 5-15 are the most susceptible group to get cavities. You must be thinking, does a cavity look any different on a child’s tooth? Physically, it appears to be the same. However, the period it takes to engulf a child’s tooth is way lesser than a grown man’s.
Cavity between the teeth
Amidst all the discussion, we shall not forget that cavities can form between the teeth too. How so? It may develop when plaque is not properly cleaned from the sides of the teeth. The cavities of such kind cannot be seen by naked eyes. Therefore, dentists suggest getting an X-ray to have a better understanding.
What does a cavity look like on an x-ray?
On an X-ray, cavities will appear as a dark black area between the teeth indicating decay. An X-ray can help the dentist detect the size of the cavity but not its depth.
How to deal with cavities?
Dental restoration can be done by using
- fillers
- sealants
- use of fluoride toothpaste
- good brushing and flossing technique
- crown covers
- root canal
- tooth extraction
- healthy eating habits
- cutting down sugary food items
- oil pulling
With all the indicators mentioned above, now you know what a cavity looks like in real life and on an X-ray. Still, we recommend you seek professional help if you find cavities on your teeth before it gets worse. Pearl Dentistry in Houston, TX, is one of the best places to go. Contact at 713 766 4389 for details or an appointment.
