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What Does a Cavity Look like? (Tooth Decay)

So What does a cavity look like? Cavities in your teeth have most likely been wreaking havoc on your mouth since you were old enough to understand. To help prevent decay, many children have fillings placed in their baby teeth and early molars. Read through to get more information on this topic.

What does a cavity look like

What are Cavities?

Cavities are permanent damage to your teeth that manifest as tiny openings or holes. A combination of factors caused cavities, also known as tooth decay or caries.

These factors include bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, drinking sugary drinks, not properly cleaning your teeth, and not visiting the dentist regularly.

Cavities form on your teeth when plaque and tartar accumulate. Cavities are most common on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth and between teeth, where plaque can easily accumulate. They can also form near the gum line on the front teeth.

What Does a Cavity Look Like?

Cavities come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The cavity’s size will be determined by how long it has been present and how much damage it has caused.

The images below will help you understand what cavities look like and how they progress. As you can see, detecting a cavity is easy. However, you must know them before they worsen.

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How to Prevent Cavities

How to Prevent Cavities

Cavities are not impossible to avoid. In fact, you can do a lot to help prevent them and keep your mouth healthy. When you are conscientious about your oral health, you can be confident that you will not develop cavities.

1. Regular Brushing and Flossing

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day are recommended. They have shown fluoride toothpaste in studies to help prevent cavities.

When brushing, take your time and don’t rush through the process. Brushing for at least 60 seconds is recommended.

2. Stay Away From Foods With High Sugar Content

You should also be conscious of the foods you consume. Sugary foods can contribute to cavity formation. Limit your intake of sugary snacks and beverages.

If you eat or drink something high in sugar, brush your teeth and drink water afterward to get the sugar out of your mouth.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is necessary for good oral health. It keeps your enamel strong by rinsing away food and bacteria that can cause cavities. Keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Drinking plenty of water also helps with bad breath.

4. Avoid Acidic Drinks

Drinks with a high acidity level can contribute to tooth decay. This is due to the acid weakening tooth enamel and making it more prone to decay.

Avoid beverages such as soda, coffee, and alcohol. If you drink them, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.

5. Eat Tooth-Healthy Foods

Your oral health is directly affected by what you eat. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth healthy.

They contain essential vitamins and minerals that aid in the maintenance of strong teeth. Fruits and vegetables also aid in the production of saliva, which is essential for keeping the mouth clean.

6. Consider Flouride and Antibacterial Treatments

If you have a history of cavities, you should fluoride treatments or antibacterial mouthwashes. These can help prevent cavities and keep your mouth healthy.

Cavities are not something to be taken lightly. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. By following these tips, you can help prevent cavities and keep your mouth healthy.

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Don’t Wait to Let the Damage Become Worse

The best thing you can do if you suspect you have a cavity is to visit your dentist. They will determine whether you have a cavity and the best course of treatment for you.

Cavities should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your teeth. The cavity will worsen if you wait too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a Cavity go Away on its Own?

Over time, this tooth decay can cause holes that go deep into your teeth, sometimes all the way to the root. Luckily, early cavities can be prevented — and even heal on their own — with the right approach to oral hygiene.


2. How Can you Tell if you have a Cavity?

Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold. Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth. Pain when you bite down.


3. How Do I get Rid of a Cavity by Myself?

Once a cavity has reached the inner dentin layer of a tooth, it cannot be cured. The only sure way to remove a cavity and prevent it from spreading is to visit your dentist and have them perform a filling procedure on the damaged area.


4. What Does a Cavity Actually Look Like?

Cavities vary in appearance. However, they appear as small holes, chips or dark spots on teeth. The holes can be as small as dots or as large as the entire tooth. Sometimes they look brown, yellow or black.


5. Can you Stop a Cavity From Getting Worse?

Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. 


6. What Do Early Stage Cavities Look Like?

Often a cavity will look like a dark spot on the tooth, typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Early on, it may resemble tooth staining or a slight discoloration. As cavities progress, the holes get bigger and usually darker.


7. Is Listerine Good for Cavities?

Mouthwash freshens bad breath and can help reduce plaque and gingivitis, as well as fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Mouthwash can really help improve your oral health.


8. Does Filling a Cavity Hurt?

You may feel a bit of a sting, but that’s a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.


After reading this, we presume you should know the answer to the question, What Does a Cavity look like? You never want to hear from your dentist that you have a cavity.

A cavity is essentially a hole in one of your teeth caused by gradual decay. You may not even realize you have a cavity until certain symptoms become unavoidable.

Unfortunately, once you have a cavity, you will need to see a dentist to have it filled. To avoid the need for a filling, take good care of your teeth and look for early warning signs that something is wrong.

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