CAVITIES & TOOTH DECAY

What Does a Cavity (Tooth Decay or Dental Caries) Look Like?

Last updated 06/25
Dr Monika

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Monika Negi, a qualified Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist with 5+ years of experience.

Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
  1. Cavities progress over time typically starting as white spots (demineralization), then turning yellow or brown, and eventually forming visible holes.
  2. Common symptoms of cavities include tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, and visible holes or dark spots on the tooth. However, in the early stages, a cavity may not present any visible or noticeable symptoms.
  3. If left untreated, cavities can lead to severe pain, infections, swelling, or the formation of an abscess.