What color are cavities?

Not all cavities are created equal. Most people assume cavities are all colored black or very dark brown, so you might be surprised to learn that cavities actually come in a range of different colors and shades, from white to grey to black, and even yellow.

What color are teeth cavities?

Generally speaking, a dental cavity (also called tooth decay) can range in color from white to brown and eventually black as the cavity continues to grow. The shape of a cavity is organic and changes as the cavity grows in width and depth.

Are cavities black or yellow?

But did you know that a cavity can form in a variety of colors. That's right! A cavity's color can range from white to black — and even yellow. And, it's all dependent upon bacteria, the level of the decay, and the stage of the cavity itself.

How do you tell if it's a cavity or stain?

A cavity presents itself with a brown, black or gray spot on your tooth. It is a perfect way on how to tell if you have a cavity. A stain, on the other hand, is a discoloration caused by drinks and food. A stain is not sticky.

What color does a cavity start as?

While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.

Tooth Decay / Cavities / Dental Caries

Do cavities look grey?

Most people assume cavities are all colored black or very dark brown, so you might be surprised to learn that cavities actually come in a range of different colors and shades, from white to grey to black, and even yellow.

Is a grey spot on tooth a cavity?

If you notice a black, brown, white or gray spot on your tooth, you may have a cavity. These soft spots in the enamel of the tooth indicate an infection has taken hold. If you notice a spot on your teeth but don't yet feel pain, make an appointment with the dentist immediately — don't wait until pain starts.

Is a brown spot always a cavity?

Although dark spots do not always indicate a cavity—they may just be surface stains—you have no real way of knowing. If you spy a black or brown spot on a tooth, your first course of action should be to schedule an appointment with a dentist.

Can cavities be light brown?

Light or dark brown spots on your teeth are a sign of a more progressed cavity. These spots are where your tooth's structure has started to soften & dissolve. You are most likely to see these spots on front teeth or the tops of molars. However, they can also exist between your teeth without being visible.

Is a small black dot a cavity?

Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. A hole in the tooth's protective layer sometimes shows as a black dot.

Why is my cavity filling black?

The silver (amalgam) fillings that were used for many years contained a mixture of metal alloy containing, silver, tin, copper and mercury. As with many metals that are exposed to a wet environment they will begin to break down and oxidize, often times turning black.

Are cavity fillings black?

Put simply, amalgam is black, and composite is white. Composite comes in a variety of shades so that we can match your unique tooth color. Done well, a composite filling disappears an is indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Do black lines on teeth mean cavities?

At first, these stains may seem like cavities, but they're not. They're also not normal tooth discoloration related to foods and beverages. These black lines on teeth are actually just a form of tartar, also called dental calculus.

Why is my tooth slightly grey?

When a single tooth changes to become grey in color, you may have a condition known as a necrotic pulp. The pulp is the collection of nerves and blood vessels residing within the hollow chamber of each tooth. It is this pulp tissue that “dies” and most often causes color changes.

Are white spots cavities?

How are white spots a sign of decay? A white spot can be a sign of tooth decay when the enamel surface of teeth is so damaged that the dentin layer of tooth structure is exposed to harmful oral bacteria in the mouth.

What does early stages of tooth decay look like?

Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold. Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth. Pain when you bite down.

Can you brush away a cavity?

They occur when bacteria from food sits in between the teeth and if not removed with flossing, the bacteria will slowly start to eat away at the tooth and cause decay, or, a cavity. Unfortunately, once a cavity is fully formed, it is nearly impossible to simply brush and make it go away.

Are my teeth stained or rotten?

Tooth decay can become bigger and deeper in time, and may create a hole in your tooth, so it's important to call a dentist. Stains may resemble cavities but seem to shrink or grow rather than steadily get bigger. They may even disappear after brushing your teeth or changing your diet.

What does cavity look like on tooth?

Often a cavity will look like a dark spot on the tooth, typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Early on, it may resemble tooth staining or a slight discoloration. As cavities progress, the holes get bigger and usually darker. A little dot can ultimately consume almost the entire tooth.

Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, which makes it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily.

Do all cavities need to be filled?

In short, the answer is no. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because a dentist tends to want to remove the decayed part (the cavity) and fill it to stop any further damage from occurring. While there aren't ways to remove a cavity without using a filling, there are ways almost to reverse the decay.

Why is my tooth grey after filling?

It's caused by too much fluoride. If the discoloration is around a filling, especially an older one, then it might be a stain migrating from the filling. The metal in the filling can transfer its color to the teeth. It is a good idea to have your dentist check the filling to make sure it does not need to be patched.

How do I get rid of the black between my teeth?

What's better silver or white fillings?

Strength: Silver fillings are generally considered stronger than white fillings, though both are made to withstand biting, chewing and regular wear-and-tear. Placement: White fillings are made to match the color of your teeth, so they're ideal for cavities in visible locations.

How long do fillings last?

On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.