Is it possible to develop a cavity in between your teeth? Unfortunately, yes. A hole that forms between your teeth is known as an interproximal cavity.
You see, munching on all those treats, especially those high in sugar, creates an ideal area for bacteria to set up camp in your mouth. They feast on the sugar and carbs left over on your teeth’ sides producing acid as a byproduct.
Now, here’s what goes wrong. When you brush and floss your teeth, you get to many gunk and bacteria in your mouth. However, bacteria increase when you cannot reach a spot, such as between your teeth, creating a cavity.
Read on to learn more about how to prevent them from happening, identify the symptoms, and treat them.
How Does One Get Cavities Between Teeth?
Since 35% of the entire surface of your teeth is between your teeth, not flossing can be a big mistake!
A dental cavity is a small hole or pit in your tooth indicating decay. They can occur on your tooth surface or in between your teeth.
When you consume food or beverage, bacteria in your oral flora mix with the food to form a sticky film called plaque, this matter sticks to your teeth and is removed by brushing. If you miss the brush and floss regime regularly, this plaque hardens into a substance called tartar.
Bacteria in plaque and tartar release acids that wear away the enamel. When it weakens, the surface eventually breaks down, forming a cavity between teeth needing a filling.
Moreover, cavities between your teeth can also develop due to food particles sneaking in between, which can’t be removed by brushing or flossing.
Can you Prevent Them From Happening?
Here are some steps you can take to prevent holes in between teeth:
- Brush your teeth: Brushing at least two times a day, for about 2 minutes, using fluoride toothpaste, makes a huge difference. Choose a soft-brustle toothbrush so that it reaches the spaces between your teeth.
- Floss daily: Flossing is crucial to eliminating food particles and plaque between your teeth.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwashes kill bacteria in your mouth and prevent cavities from forming.
- Limit sugary and acidic item intake: Bacteria in your mouth breed on sugar, releasing an acid that erodes your enamel.
- Do not skip your dental visit: Regular dental screening and cleanings prevents cavities and detect early stages.
- Interdental cleaners: Dental picks, floss holders, or interdental brushes can also clean between teeth.
- Chew sugarless gum after having your meals: This habit can help stimulate saliva production to neutralize acid and wash away food debris.
Cavity Between The Teeth – Signs
The bad news is that cavities that form between your teeth are hard to find until the decay penetrates through the deeper tooth layer.
Once the decay reaches your dentin, it progresses much faster. At this point, you will see symptoms like:
- Constant throbbing tooth sensitivity after having hot, cold, or sweet items.
- Tooth pain while chewing food.
Treatment
Treatment of the interproximal cavity depends on the severity of your decay. If it is spotted in the early stage, drilling out and filling placement with a local anesthetic use does the job. But, if your cavity is left untreated for too long, the decay gets worse and may need an extraction.
Closing Notes
Spring Branch Dental Group professionals are your best bet to get those nasty cavities between your teeth filled. Our competent team is just a call away—Dial (832) 548-1533 to connect with us.