Signs of a cavity: what to look and feel for

Many cavities cause no pain at all in the beginning. That is the main reason people find out late. Knowing the signs helps you come in sooner, but only an examination can tell you for sure.

What does an early cavity look like?

• A white or chalky patch on a tooth that does not brush away
• A light brown spot, often on the chewing surface or between two teeth
• A tooth surface that feels rough when your tongue runs over it

At this stage there may be nothing to feel. A dentist can often catch it on an examination or an X-ray, before any hole has formed.

What are the signs of a deeper cavity?

• A dark brown or black spot, or a visible hole
• A sharp, short pain when you eat or drink something sweet, hot or cold
• Pain when you bite down
• Food that keeps getting stuck in the same place
• A bad taste or smell that keeps coming back from one area

When is it more serious?

A dull ache that lingers after the hot or cold thing is gone, pain that wakes you at night, or swelling near the tooth can mean the decay has reached the nerve inside the tooth. This usually needs prompt attention and may need a root canal treatment. Read toothache: what to do before your appointment if you are in pain now.

Can I check at home?

You can look in a mirror in good light and notice changes, but you cannot see between teeth or inside a tooth, and a stain is not always a cavity. Dark marks can also be harmless staining from tea or coffee. Do not wait for a hole to appear, and do not try to decide for yourself. A short check by a dentist will tell you.

What happens if it is left?

A small cavity grows. Treated early, it usually needs a small filling. Treated late, it can need a root canal, a crown or, in some cases, removal of the tooth. The treatment gets bigger the longer it waits.

When to see a dentist

Book a visit if you see a spot or hole, feel sensitivity that keeps happening, or have not had a check-up in a long time. Come the same day if you have swelling, fever, or pain you cannot manage.

Dental check-ups are available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.