Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues, yet many people are unsure what they actually look like. Because cavities form gradually, their early signs can be subtle and easily overlooked. By the time they become visible, tooth decay has often already caused significant damage. Knowing the visual signs of cavities and how they feel can help you catch them early, protect your teeth, and avoid more serious dental problems in the future.
In this article, we will explore what cavities look like at every stage, how they progress, and what symptoms to watch out for. We will also look at how dentists detect cavities, why they form, and what you can do to prevent them.
Understanding Cavities: The Basics
Cavities, also called dental caries, are areas of permanent damage in the tooth’s surface caused by the breakdown of protective enamel. They begin when bacteria in dental plaque feed on sugary foods and drinks, producing acids that weaken the enamel. Over time, this leads to tiny holes that can grow larger if left untreated.
Cavities can form on any tooth and at any age, from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Because they often start small, it is common for people to have at least one cavity without realizing it until they notice pain, discoloration, or sensitivity.
What Do Cavities Look Like in the Early Stages?
White or Chalky Spots
In the very early stages, cavities do not look like holes at all. Instead, you may see faint white spots on the tooth’s surface. These are areas where minerals have been lost from the enamel. At this point, the damage may still be reversible with fluoride toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and improved oral hygiene.
Tooth Discoloration
As tooth decay progresses, discoloration becomes more noticeable. Small brown or black spots may appear on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth or in between teeth where brushing is difficult. These spots are often mistaken for stains from foods and drinks, but they are actually visual signs of damaged enamel.
How Cavities Progress Over Time
Small Holes in the Enamel
If early signs are ignored, cavities develop into small holes that can be seen or felt with the tongue. These holes may appear as pits on the chewing surfaces or as tiny gaps near the gum line.
Larger Brown or Black Areas
As tooth decay progresses, cavities become larger and darker. The once small spots turn into brown or black patches. This stage is often accompanied by tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or discomfort when eating sweet foods.
Advanced Tooth Decay
When cavities reach the inner layers of the tooth, they become more visible and painful. Large brown or black holes may appear, and the tooth may look broken, chipped, or weakened. At this stage, untreated cavities can lead to infection, tooth loss, or the need for root canal treatment.
Cavity Symptoms Beyond Appearance
Cavities are not only about how they look. The way a cavity feels is just as important for detection. Some common symptoms include:
- Tooth sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods
- Sharp tooth pain when biting down
- Persistent bad breath caused by bacterial activity
- Bleeding gums if gum disease is also present
- Pain or discomfort when eating sweet foods
- A rough feeling on the tooth’s surface
- Visible small holes or pits
What Do Cavities Look Like on Different Teeth?
Cavities on Back Teeth
Back teeth are especially vulnerable because their chewing surfaces have deep grooves where food particles and dental plaque can collect. These cavities often look like dark spots or pits on the molars.
Cavities Between Teeth
These are harder to see because they form in tight spaces. Dentists usually detect them with X-rays, but you may notice tooth sensitivity or a cavity feel when flossing.
Cavities on Baby Teeth
Cavities on baby teeth can appear as white spots, brown stains, or small holes. Even though these teeth eventually fall out, untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and problems for developing permanent teeth.
Visual Signs vs. Hidden Cavities
Not all cavities are easy to spot. Some may form beneath the surface of the enamel and progress without obvious discoloration. Dentists use tools and X-rays to detect these hidden cavities before they become advanced. This is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups, even if your teeth look fine.
Why Do Cavities Develop?
Cavities form when the balance between protective enamel and harmful bacteria is disrupted. Factors that contribute include:
- Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and sugary drinks
- Poor oral hygiene and irregular brushing
- Lack of fluoride toothpaste use
- Reduced saliva production or dry mouth
- Irregular dental checkups
- Gum disease, which exposes vulnerable tooth surfaces
What Happens if Cavities Are Left Untreated?
If cavities are left untreated, they continue to spread deeper into the tooth. The progression can be divided into stages:
- Very early stages – white spots or subtle discoloration
- Early signs – small brown or black spots, mild sensitivity
- Advanced cavity – visible hole, increased tooth pain
- Advanced tooth decay – infection of the inner layers, involvement of blood vessels and nerves, risk of tooth loss
Untreated cavities not only damage one tooth but can also affect surrounding teeth, leading to more serious oral health issues.
How Dentists Detect Cavities Early
Dentists are trained to detect cavities before they become obvious. During regular dental checkups, they may:
- Use dental instruments to check for soft spots
- Take X-rays to detect cavities between teeth or beneath the enamel
- Look for early signs of tooth discoloration
- Examine chewing surfaces and the gum line for small holes
Catching cavities early makes treatment simpler and less invasive.
Treatments for Cavities
The treatment for cavities depends on how advanced the decay is:
- Fluoride treatments for very early stages, when enamel damage is still reversible
- Dental fillings to repair small to medium cavities
- Crowns for larger cavities that weaken the tooth structure
- Root canal therapy if decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth
- Tooth extraction in severe cases when the tooth cannot be saved
Preventing Cavities Before They Start
Cavities can be prevented with consistent oral care and healthy habits. Some key steps include: 
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing to remove food particles and dental plaque between teeth
- Reducing sugary foods and sugary snacks
- Avoiding frequent sugary drinks
- Drinking water to support saliva production
- Scheduling regular dental checkups for early detection
- Asking your dentist about fluoride treatments or sealants for added protection
By practicing regular brushing, visiting your dentist regularly, and adopting good habits, you can stay cavity free and maintain long-term oral health.
The Takeaway: Recognizing Cavities Early Matters
So, what do cavities look like? They may start as small white spots, progress to brown or black areas, and eventually turn into visible holes or pits. Cavities can appear on any part of the tooth, from the chewing surfaces of molars to the tight spaces between teeth. In baby teeth or permanent teeth, untreated cavities can cause tooth pain, bad breath, and serious oral health issues.
The earlier you catch cavities, the easier they are to treat. With fluoride toothpaste, professional fluoride treatments, and regular dental checkups, you can protect your enamel, detect cavities early, and prevent advanced tooth decay.
Taking care of your oral health today means fewer dental problems tomorrow. If you notice visible signs of a cavity, persistent bad breath, tooth sensitivity, or tooth pain, it is time to see your dentist. Cavities may be common, but with the right care, you can keep your smile strong and healthy.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/what-does-a-cavity-look-like
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-does-a-cavity-look-like
https://www.listerine.com/cavities-strong-teeth/7-signs-cavities
https://www.oralb.co.uk/en-gb/oral-health/conditions/cavities-tooth-decay/what-does-a-cavity-look-like
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/what-does-a-cavity-look-like?srsltid=AfmBOopHalJDaxu9nMfvSCvOsTUOBO4VREIbpGlyCFs1jlQBj35Y7r30