Can you see cavities

It can even form on your teeth near your gumline and cause gingivitis to develop. Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, is a known cause of tooth decay and cavities. You might start to notice that a section of gumline is becoming a little tender or that a tooth is starting to ache a bit.

These signs could be your body warning you that a cavity is starting to develop. You might notice a little white spot on your tooth, which is a sign that your tooth is losing important minerals that keep it strong and healthy.

This process is called demineralization. But you can halt the problem of tooth decay , and possibly reverse it if the decay is in the enamel. If your teeth are losing minerals, you can take steps to stop that process so your tooth enamel can strengthen and return to health before a cavity develops. This typically includes making sure to remove any debris, including food particles, that might remain on your teeth after eating or drinking sugary beverages.

Generally speaking, you should see a dentist for routine dental care on a regular basis. This can vary depending on your needs and your teeth. This might be once or twice a year. They may be looking for confirmation that a cavity exists in one or more teeth. Typically, a cavity shows up on an X-ray as a darker spot or a shadow on a tooth.

Meanwhile, a typical filling shows up as a much brighter spot on the tooth. Now for some good news: Prevention really does work. These teeth have more grooves and surfaces where bacteria can hide in, and plaque can build up on.

Back teeth are generally harder to get a good look at without special tools, and this is one of the reasons why it can be hard to know if you have a dental cavity. Also, cavities can occur near or under the gum line as well as on visible surfaces, so these will be particularly difficult to see. When a cavity progresses to the dentin or dental pulp, it starts to affect the health of the tooth. At this stage, the tooth is susceptible to infectio n.

As bacteria multiply inside the tooth and produce more acids, parts of the tooth may become discolored. If you notice a yellow, brown or black stain on your tooth, it can be a sign of a cavity or, worse, a tooth infection. At this stage, visit a dentist immediately. A persistent toothache is another potential sign that you have a cavity. While there are many causes of tooth pain, untreated tooth decay is among the most common. Cavities are one of the most common tooth problems that people of all ages face.

Undetected, these tiny holes and narrow crevices can cause infections. And if they are left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss and cost much more money to repair or replace. Bacteria then eats the dentin until the bacteria reacher the blood vessels and nerves in the middle of your tooth. This is called the pulp. From the pulp, bacteria can spread to other areas in the mouth if you wait too long to treat a cavity.

The bacteria attacks more tooth tissue the longer you wait to take care of a cavity. In the early stages of cavities, you might feel pain when you bite down on something you eat like a piece of candy.

In time, you begin to experience tooth pain when you chew on something soft, and when it progresses further, you will experience consistent tooth pain. A less obvious sign of a cavity is tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth often resemble a cavity. It will feel like a tingle or tickle in your teeth at certain times. Your teeth feel sensitive due to bacteria that is thinning down your tooth enamel. Enamel protects the nerves in the teeth.

When bacteria begin to eat through the layer of enamel, your nerves will make your teeth feel sensitive. At other times, it might not feel sensitive. You may even notice sensitivity when drinking anything that's not at room temperature. Call your dentist. Once the cavities get fixed and the inflammation goes down, you should be able to enjoy the foods you love without pain.

But what about cavities that are already doing serious damage? Depending on where the cavity is, you may be able to see the hole in your tooth right in the mirror. Look for small brown or black holes along the surface of the enamel. Those small discolored spots are a surefire sign that you have a cavity forming.

Make an appointment with your dentist and let them take care of the cavity before it gets too large. The sooner you get help for your teeth, the better off your smile will be. Our team specializes in helping patients who struggle with anxiety in the dental chair get the treatments they need to keep their smiles pearly-white. Back Meet Our Team Dr. Darren Fee Dr.