A dental cavity is one of the most common oral health issues affecting both children and adults. Many people in London, Ontario don’t realize they have a cavity until discomfort or pain starts. Understanding what a dental cavity looks like can help you identify early warning signs and seek treatment before the damage becomes serious.
At Apple Tree Dental in London, Ontario, we often see patients who could have avoided major dental procedures with earlier detection. This guide explains how cavities look at each stage, what symptoms to watch for, and when to schedule a professional dental visit.
What Is a Dental Cavity?
A dental cavity is a permanently damaged area of a tooth caused by decay. It forms when plaque bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that slowly weaken tooth enamel. Over time, this damage creates holes in the tooth structure.
Without treatment, cavities can spread deeper and lead to infection, severe pain, or tooth loss.
What Does a Dental Cavity Look Like?
The appearance of a cavity changes as it progresses. Some cavities are visible, while others can only be detected during a dental examination.
Below are the most common stages seen by dentists in London, Ontario.
Stage 1: Early Enamel Damage (White Spots)
What it looks like:
- Chalky white or cloudy spots on the tooth
- Often near the gum line
- No visible hole
What it means:
This is the earliest sign of tooth decay. Minerals are being lost from the enamel, but the tooth surface is still intact.
Symptoms:
- Usually no pain
- Mild sensitivity to sweets
At this stage, decay may be reversed with fluoride treatments and good oral hygiene. Scheduling a routine dental checkup in London, Ontario can stop the cavity from progressing.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay (Yellow or Light Brown Areas)
What it looks like:
- Yellow or light brown discoloration
- Rough texture on the tooth
- Small pits may appear
Symptoms:
- Sensitivity to cold drinks
- Mild discomfort while eating
Once enamel breaks down, professional treatment such as a dental filling is usually required to restore the tooth.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay (Visible Holes)
What it looks like:
- Clearly visible holes or pits
- Dark brown or black areas
- Food frequently getting stuck
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain when chewing
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- Persistent discomfort
Decay spreads faster once it reaches dentin. Visiting a dentist in London, Ontario, at this stage helps prevent nerve damage.
Stage 4: Advanced Cavity (Severe Tooth Damage)
What it looks like:
- Large dark holes
- Broken or crumbling tooth
- Swollen gums around the tooth
Symptoms:
- Constant toothache
- Pain without eating
- Bad taste or odor
- Facial swelling in severe cases
Advanced cavities may require root canal treatment or tooth extraction if infection develops.
What Color Is a Dental Cavity?
A common voice-search question is:
“What color is a cavity on a tooth?”
Cavities may appear as:
- White: early mineral loss
- Yellow or light brown: enamel decay
- Dark brown or black: advanced decay
Because stains and cavities can look similar, a dentist should always confirm the diagnosis.
Can You See a Cavity at Home?
Some cavities are visible on the surface of teeth. However, many cavities develop:
- Between teeth
- Under old fillings
- Below the gum line
These hidden cavities can only be detected through dental X-rays during a professional dental examination.
What Causes Dental Cavities?
Common causes include:
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- Frequent sugary or acidic foods
- Plaque buildup
- Dry mouth
- Skipping regular dental visits
According to oral health guidance from the American Dental Association, plaque bacteria create acids that weaken enamel over time, leading to cavities.
How Dentists Detect Cavities
At Apple Tree Dental, cavity detection may include:
- Visual examination
- Dental instruments
- Digital X-rays
- Intraoral imaging
Early diagnosis allows for simpler, less invasive treatment.
How to Prevent Dental Cavities
You can lower your risk of cavities by:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Drinking plenty of water
- Visiting your dentist every six months
- Using fluoride treatments when recommended
Preventive dental care plays a key role in maintaining long-term oral health.
When Should You See a Dentist in London, Ontario?
You should book an appointment if you notice:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dark or discolored spots
- Pain while chewing
- Visible holes in teeth
- Persistent bad breath
Early treatment helps protect your natural teeth and prevents more complex procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cavity look like in the early stage?
Early cavities usually appear as white or chalky spots and often cause no pain.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Once a hole forms, a cavity cannot heal naturally. Early enamel damage may be reversed with fluoride.
Are black spots always cavities?
Not always. Some stains look similar, which is why professional diagnosis is important.
Do cavities always hurt?
No. Many cavities cause no pain until they reach deeper layers of the tooth.
How fast can a cavity develop?
Cavities can form over months or years, depending on diet and oral hygiene.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what a dental cavity looks like can help you take action before serious damage occurs. From subtle white spots to visible dark holes, cavities change appearance as decay progresses.
If you notice anything unusual, scheduling a dental visit early can save your tooth and prevent discomfort. At Apple Tree Dental in London, Ontario, our goal is to help patients maintain healthy smiles through early detection and preventive care.