If you’re like most, you’d think it’d be easy to spot a cavity in your smile. Isn’t it just a matter of seeing whether a tooth has holes in its crown? However, a cavity between your teeth can be tricky to notice; such decay is often hidden from view. That’s why your Garland dentist is here to help you find in-between cavities before it’s too late. So, here’s a primer on between-teeth cavities, how to spot them, and how best to avoid them.
Wait: Cavities Can Form Between Teeth?
Tooth decay doesn’t just form at the very tops of your teeth. It can also occur in the spaces between your pearly whites as interproximal cavities.
Interproximal cavities (like other kinds) are caused by harmful bacteria. Said microbes can stick to enamel and trigger decay in the spaces between your teeth. If left untreated, that process will break down your teeth until a cavity forms.
Bacteria that cause cavities can gather for various reasons. With that said, the most common ones include poor oral care, a carb-heavy diet, and genetics.
Can You Tell Whether You Have One?
Because between-teeth cavities don’t occur on a tooth’s front or top, you can’t reliably find them with the naked eye. You should rely on two approaches to tell whether you have one.
The first is to notice if a given tooth shows relevant symptoms, such as:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Discomfort when chewing
- A toothache without any apparent cause
- Mild to sharp pain when having something sweet, hot, or cold
For the second method, have your dentist spot the cavity. A dental provider can see if there’s decay between your teeth with a bitewing X-ray. They can even assess the extent of the potential cavity.
What Can You Do to Avoid Them?
While interproximal cavities are hard to find, you can still take steps to prevent them. You just need to make some mouth-healthy lifestyle changes.
For example, make sure to follow a once-daily flossing habit. Brushing alone won’t effectively clean the crevices between your teeth. Meanwhile, dental floss can remove the bacteria from such areas pretty well. You could even use special flossers from a local supermarket if necessary.
You could also stick to a diet that benefits your oral health. After all, you’re less likely to get any cavities – between teeth or not – if you reduce your sugar intake. Eating more crispy veggies, lean meats, and dairy products will also lower your risk of tooth decay.
It’s not inevitable that you’ll get a cavity between your teeth. Make sure you don’t by using the tips above and seeing your dental provider!
About the Practice
North Garland Family Dental is based in Garland, TX. Led by Drs. Yaritza Vasquez and Scott Peterson, our practice makes comprehensive dentistry its main focus. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to your unique smile and its needs! Whether the goal is a dental checkup or a dental crown, our team is ready to help your teeth and gums thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-530-7979.
