Cavities Between Teeth
Pain in your teeth is one sign that you’ve developed a cavity. These holes in your tooth enamel result from acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. Decay in between two teeth is a common place to develop a cavity.
The point where two teeth come into contact is a typical spot to develop a cavity. Known as interproximal cavities, they’re hard to diagnose without your dentist’s help. Bitewing X-rays are usually required for them to see the damage in these hard-to-reach places.
Without regular dental checkups, you could unknowingly develop a significant cavity between your teeth. Daily flossing is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay between teeth. Even regular brushing won’t stop them from developing.
Today, we’re looking at the signs and treatments common to interproximal cavities.
Signs of having a cavity between the teeth
Cavities between teeth are hard to detect without imaging at your dentist’s office. Signs that you’ve developed one aren’t impossible to see, though.
Let’s look at some of the common signs of interproximal cavities.
Pain will occur if you have a cavity
As your cavity develops, it damages your enamel and exposes the dentin and pulp. When that happens, it’s something you can’t ignore! Your tooth is usually protected by a layer of enamel. When that’s been damaged, the nerves inside your teeth are exposed, and you’ll likely feel some pain.
Tooth pain is one clear signal that you’ve got a cavity.
Holes will appear in your teeth if you have a cavity
Bacteria live in plaque that builds up around your teeth. Food particles and residue left behind from bad oral hygiene provide an abundant feast for the microscopic menaces. Acid left behind by their digestive process begins to erode the hard surface of your teeth and leaves a hole behind. You might not be able to see it, but your dentist can see it clearly on X-rays.
If you feel a change in the surface of your teeth over time, it’s probably time to head in to see your provider!
If you have any sort of tooth sensitivity, you may have a cavity
The hard outer layer of enamel on your teeth usually protects you from sensitivity to hot or cold. Holes expose the nerves in your teeth and can make them highly reactive to changes in temperature. Sweets can also cause a painful reaction when you have a hole between your teeth.
Ways to treat tooth cavities
Once you’ve realized that you have a cavity, it’s time to head to the dentist. You can’t fix them on your own. Depending on how far along your tooth decay is, dentists have several approaches to use.
Getting a filling is a common treatment for cavities
Filling a cavity is one of the most common treatments for cavities between your teeth. Dentists remove the decayed tissue and fill in the hole left behind. Several different types of material are used to fill cavities. While they vary in price, they’re all effective means of protecting your teeth.
Amalgam fillings are the least expensive and usually contain silver, tin, copper, or mercury. Composite fillings are made of resin or plastic material, which hardens under UV light. Gold is another material that’s used for fillings, but because of the price, it isn’t common.
Root canals will cure tooth pain caused by cavities
Tooth decay that’s penetrated your tooth's pulp may need a more aggressive approach. Root canals allow dentists to remove the pulp from within your tooth. After treating any infection in your tooth, they’ll use a filling material to replace the pulp.
If the damage is bad enough, an extraction may be necessary
Extraction may be the only option when you’re dealing with severe infection or damage to your teeth. Dentists use this as a last resort, but sometimes, it’s the best way to treat significant tooth issues. Especially in large molars at the back of the mouth, cavities can go undetected for long periods. Extensive damage can result and require extraction.
How to prevent cavities
The best way to deal with cavities ahead of time is prevention. Good oral hygiene should be part of your daily routine. Keeping tooth decay away isn’t complicated, either. Regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent costly and painful cavities from forming.
Use good quality oral care products
You should brush your teeth and use mouthwash at least twice daily to keep your teeth clean and free of food residue. Oral care products that contain fluoride are best to strengthen your tooth enamel. Flossing is the best way to clean in between your teeth to keep interproximal cavities away.
Limit your sugary food and drink intake
Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars found in sodas and processed foods. Hard candies and soft drinks leave behind residue that adheres to your teeth and encourages tooth decay. Replacing these items with healthier, low-sugar snacks and drinks keeps your teeth healthy.
Avoid tobacco products
Nicotine, the addictive substance in all tobacco products, restricts the blood flow to the gums. Long-term tobacco use leads to gum disease and makes it harder for them to support your teeth. Smokeless tobacco often has sugar as well, which can accelerate tooth decay even more.
Have routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist
Experts recommend a routine checkup with your dentist twice a year. During those visits, they’ll check your teeth for any signs of decay and recommend a course of action. Dentists can recalcify your teeth with fluoride gel if they catch your cavities early enough.
Dental cleanings are also a necessary part of good oral care. Hygienists can remove stuck-on plaque and tartar from your mouth and promote good habits.
If you think you have cavity treatments, come to Coral Reef Dental
Cavities are an unfortunate side effect of poor oral hygiene. While you might be able to detect cavities on the surface of your teeth, interproximal cavities are difficult to notice. Regular dental care can help. At Coral Reef Dental, we’re ready to provide the best! Our highly trained team is prepared to assist you with everything from routine cleaning to major oral surgery.
If you think you’ve got cavities between your teeth, schedule an appointment today!