How to Tell If You Have a Cavity

Kathi Valeii
·5 min read

Medically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMD

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that eats away at tooth enamel. This can lead to a cavity (a hole in the tooth). A cavity in your tooth doesn't always have symptoms at first, but as it grows into the deeper layers of your tooth, you may feel it.

Common cavity symptoms include tooth pain or sensitivity and visible changes in the tooth, like holes or pits.

This article explains how cavities look and feel, what happens if they go untreated, and how dentists diagnose them.

<p>Gravity Images / Getty Images</p>

Gravity Images / Getty Images

Visible Small Cavity Signs

You may not notice a cavity right away since the changes are visually small. Also, it's possible to have a cavity and not feel anything.

However, even though small cavities may have visible changes, most people don't examine their teeth routinely, especially those that are more difficult to see in the back of your mouth.

Teeth in the back of the mouth are where cavities often occur. Cavities most commonly pop up on chewing surfaces and between teeth. Both of these areas are difficult to see yourself.

Warning signs of a cavity include:

  • White spots on the teeth

  • Spots that turn darker shades of gray, brown, or black

  • Continually getting food trapped between your teeth

Invisible Cavities

An invisible cavity (also called a hidden cavity) is one you can't see with the naked eye. Usually, that's because the cavity is between teeth.

Dental X-rays can catch early cavities between teeth and those not yet visible on the tooth's surface. Researchers have found that X-rays increase the diagnosis of hidden cavities by nearly 10 times.

How Cavity Symptoms Feel (or Don't Feel)

It can help to understand what a cavity feels like.

Cavity symptoms include:

Researchers call cavities one of the most prevalent diseases among children globally.

Related: Plaque Removal and Preventing Tartar Buildup on Teeth

Untreated, Worsening Cavity Symptoms

Before a cavity begins, there are things you can do to prevent it. Some steps for reducing your risk of a cavity include:

That said, once you have a cavity, it will likely continue to get worse if left untreated. A cavity spreading beyond the enamel could lead to an abscessed tooth (a severe infection).

An abscess might occur if the pulp (the soft tissue in the root) dies and swells. When bacteria enter the pulp, it causes an infection, leading to a pocket of pus that forms around the root. This infection can spread throughout the body and can sometimes be fatal.

Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Redness in the gums

  • Bad taste in the mouth

  • Fever

Related: Fluoride Treatment: What You Should Know



Will a Cavity Heal on Its Own?

In the early stages, when there is a white spot in the tooth's enamel, for instance, the enamel could repair itself with minerals from saliva and fluoride. However, as a cavity develops and becomes worse, the enamel becomes too weak and destroyed to repair itself.



Seeing a Dentist: How to Tell for Sure

While cavities offer some visual signs, they are not always on visible parts of your teeth. Cavities are sometimes in between teeth and in the back of your mouth. To be sure, you'll need to see a dentist, who will visually examine your teeth and, if necessary, do an X-ray.

Related: Should I Go to a Hospital or a Dentist for My Dental Emergency?

Cavity Inspection

Dentists use a visual inspection to determine if a cavity is present on a tooth. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) is a clinical scoring system that measures surface changes and the depth of cavities. Cavities are coded between 0 and 6, with the lower score indicating a healthy tooth and the higher score showing extensive tooth damage.

Related: What Is Dental Prophylaxis?

Cavity on X-Ray

An X-ray is the most definitive way to diagnose a cavity. X-rays allow dentists to see through layers of teeth to determine how severe a cavity is. This can inform their treatment plan. However, X-rays are not foolproof, and they sometimes underestimate the depth of a cavity.

When you get a dental X-ray, a lead apron will cover your torso to protect your body and organs from radiation. X-ray film is placed in your mouth, and a healthcare provider will leave the room to take the X-ray.

When they return, they will remove the film from your mouth. The results are available for a dentist to review immediately.



Seeing a Dentist With and Without Insurance

If you have dental insurance, seeing a dentist for preventative and acute care is less expensive. However, even with insurance, you must still cover some costs. It is common for dental insurance plans to cover a percentage of fillings.

Depending on your plan, it covers between 50%-80%. Without dental insurance, it is expensive to cover the cost of dental care. If you can't afford to pay for a filling, you may be able to find low-cost options.

The following may be available to you:

  • Community health centers for low-income residents

  • Medicare for adults over 65

  • Medicaid for low-income adults, children, and people with disabilities

  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for those with kids who don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance

  • Veterans Administration (VA) benefits for veterans

  • Dental schools that offer reduced fee services

  • Participation in clinical trials

  • State health insurance programs



Summary

There are numerous ways to tell if you have a cavity. When a cavity is small, you may not feel anything, but you might notice some discoloration, like white, gray, or brown spots. As the cavity progresses, pain and sensitivity are common symptoms.

If you suspect a cavity, the best thing to do is make an appointment with a dentist. They can determine how advanced the cavity is and develop a treatment plan.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.