Dental Caries are the most common oral disease in people. It often leads to dental cavity which is very annoying and can lead to pain & swelling. Many times, We mis-judge a black spot on tooth by any other reason to be a dental cavity. Thus, It is important to know what does a cavity look like? and what does a cavity look like on x-ray. We will also learn that what happens if the cavity is left untreated.
What is a dental cavity?
Dental cavity is the erosion of the tooth portion in a particular area due to microorganisms present in the mouth.
How does a cavity form?
Dental cavity occurs because of dental caries. Due to many factors, There is erosion of the mineralised portion of tooth i.e. Enamel which causes the formation of a cavity. A cavity can be of any shape and size depending upon the extent of demineralisation.
Reasons for formation of a dental cavity
The reason for a dental cavity is dental caries. But the dental caries can occur due to many reasons which are given below.
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Osteo radio necrosis
- Xerostomia (DRY MOUTH)
As saliva is an anti-cariogenic agent and in the absence of saliva, Dental Caries can develop which leads to Dental Cavity.
What does a Cavity look like?
A cavity looks like a blackish discoloration/ black spot on the tooth. This spot can be of brown or black in color. It occurs as a spot which slowly takes over the whole tooth and causes constant pain in the tooth. You can see the image above to know what does a cavity look like.
What does a cavity look like on an x ray?
On an X-ray or radiography, The tooth looks radio-opaque i.e. Whitish grey in color as it is a mineralised structure and X-rays don’t pass from it. While due to de-mineralisation of the enamel, The cavity looks radiolucent i.e. Darker than tooth structure as X-ray passes from it.
A cavity looks black in color. Never confuse between a cavity and a filled teeth. Once a tooth is filled the portion will look white in color while the cavity look blackish colored on X-rays.
What does a Cavity feels like?
The enamel is a hard structure in-fact it is the hardest structure in the body while the cavity will feel soft as the minerals in that portion is gone. The cavity becomes de-mineralised so it feels soft in nature.
Also, You will have constant food lodgement in that part which is a sign of dental Cavity.
Signs of Dental Cavity
There are many signs which confirm a dental cavity. They are as follows:
- Blackish discoloration of tooth
- Constant food lodgement
- Soft feeling of tooth
- Pain in tooth
How to prevent a Dental Cavity
Dental caries are easy to prevent if taken good care and also necessary as cavities are irreversible. The only option left after a dental cavity is formed is cavity filling. Here are some of the options to prevent a dental cavity.
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
- Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups every 6 month
- Avoid sugary diet and sticky food
- Rinse your mouth after eating food
- Drink some tap water for fluoride intake
- Brush twice daily with flouride containing toothpaste
I hope you have got all your answers, If you still have any doubt then please comment below. We are happy to help you out.