Are cavities visible?

In my experience, only the advanced ones look like dark spots or visible holes to the naked eye. The early ones look like faint white spots that only a dentist can catch during a cleaning. Don't assume your teeth are perfect just because you don't see any black marks.

Some are visible as black or brown spots, but many times they start between teeth where we can't see them. Getting a basic dental checkup is quite cheap at local clinics. It is much cheaper to pay for a simple checkup now than a costly root canal later.

I had a massive cavity in my back molar and literally had no idea because I couldn't see it at all. It only showed up when the dentist did an X-ray. If you suspect something, just go get it checked instead of guessing.

Not always. Visible black spots usually mean the decay is already quite deep. Don't rely on a mirror test; go to a professional clinic and let them do a proper scan to catch any hidden decay.

Some cavities look like dark pits, while others look like chalky white spots where the enamel is losing minerals. Since you can't see the ones hiding between your teeth, a dentist's clinical exam is the only way to be 100% sure.

I am a bit shy to ask, but I noticed a small yellow stain on my front tooth. Does a cavity have to be black or brown to be visible, or can it start as a yellow mark too? I might need to make an appointment.