Cavity In Between Teeth (Interproximal Cavities)

Have you ever thought about what those holes are between your teeth? Well, It could be a cavity, especially the one between teeth, called interproximal cavities. So, why do cavities occur? Cavities happen when bacteria in your mouth turn sugars from food and drinks into acids, which can damage your teeth.

Detecting cavities at an early stage is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure timely treatment. Early signs include tooth pain, sensitivity, spots, or bad breath. But don’t worry, your dentist can help! They’ll check your teeth using X-rays and special tools to find and treat any cavities. Plus, they’ve got options like fillings, crowns, or even remineralization to fix cavities.

So, We’ll tell you about the common causes and symptoms of cavities between teeth so that you can spot them early and avoid further issues. We will also provide treatment options along with prevention tips to avoid interproximal cavities.

Common Causes Of Cavities in Between Teeth

Cavities or Tooth decay occurs when germs in the mouth make acids. When this acid is combined with food, saliva, and bacteria in the mouth, it creates a sticky layer called plaque on the teeth.

Consistent brushing and flossing are effective in eliminating plaque and bacteria. If left unchecked, plaque can damage tooth enamel, causing cavities. However, a cavity in between two teeth, whether they’re molars or other types, is termed an interproximal cavity. If you’ve had a cavity, chances are it might have been an interproximal one.

These cavities develop similarly to others, usually due to the erosion of the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the tooth, on one or more teeth. If not treated early, this damage can progress further into the tooth, impacting the inner layers.

Symptoms of Cavity in Between Teeth

When cavities are spotted early, your dentist can fix them easily. Recognizing the signs of a cavity helps you get treatment before it gets worse. Some symptoms include:

• Dental Pain
• Sensitive Teeth
• Oral Infections or Pus Formation
• Spots or Holes 
• Bad breath(Halitosis)
• Dental Chips

Diagnosing Of An Interproximal Cavity 

The dentist will personalise your treatment based on your teeth condition. Before starting any treatment, they will use simple methods to diagnose the issue:

Dental Examination and X-Rays:

Dentists carefully check the teeth and take X-rays to find cavities that may be hidden between the teeth.

Visual Inspection of the Teeth:

Dentists visually examine the teeth for any visible signs of decay or cavities, using special tools and lighting if needed.

Use of Dental Probes to Detect Cavities:

Dental probes are used to gently check the teeth for soft spots or damage that could indicate the presence of a cavity, especially in hard-to-reach areas between the teeth. 

Treatment Options for Cavities Between Teeth

Getting regular checkups at the dentist can catch cavities early, preventing bigger problems later on. Let’s explore some treatment options for dealing with cavities.

Root Canal

When a cavity becomes severe and goes untreated for a long time, it may be necessary to get a root canal treatment to preserve the tooth. In this process, the affected area within the tooth is extracted, following which the tooth is thoroughly cleansed, disinfected, and sealed with a filling.

Dental Crown

A dental crown serves as a protective covering for a tooth. It’s made from different materials such as ceramics, resin, metal, or porcelain. Crowns are used when a tooth has a large filling or not much of its natural structure left, to give it support and strength. After a root canal procedure, they are frequently inserted to assist in maintaining the tooth’s health.

Tooth Filling

If the decay goes deep into the enamel, a dentist may need to fill the cavity to fix the tooth. They’ll clean out the decay and use materials like porcelain, gold, silver, resin, or amalgam to fill the space, making the tooth strong and functional again.

Recalcification

Remineralization is like a repair job your body does for your teeth. It uses minerals from your saliva to fix any small damage to the enamel. During the day, when you eat and drink, the minerals in your teeth can get washed away, which leads to demineralization. Things like germs in your mouth, how acidic it is, and the quality of your spit can make this happen.

Finding cavities early is important. If it’s caught soon and hasn’t made a big hole in your enamel, fluoride gel can help put the minerals back and stop more damage.

Extraction

If there’s no other choice and there’s a chance the infection might spread from the tooth to the jawbone, pulling out the tooth is the last option. The removal of a tooth is a simple dental process usually carried out with the use of local anaesthesia to guarantee the patient’s ease. 

During the procedure, the oral surgeon carefully extracts the complete tooth, along with its root, from the surrounding gum tissue. Afterwards, the space left by the removed tooth can be filled using a partial denture, bridge or dental implant.

Prevention Tips To Avoid An Interproximal Cavity 

When it comes to preventing cavities, it’s best to take action before they occur.

Here are some simple tips to lower your chances of problems between your teeth:

• To keep your mouth healthy, brush your teeth twice daily to remove bacteria. Opt for toothpaste containing fluoride to keep your teeth strong and protected.
• Try using a mouthwash that contains fluoride for better oral health.
• Maintain a daily flossing routine to keep your teeth clean and free from plaque and food particles stuck in between.
• Using tobacco, especially smoking, can hurt your teeth and gums, causing problems like stains, decay, and gum disease. Avoiding these products is important for keeping your mouth and body healthy.
• To keep your teeth healthy, try to eat less sugary or acidic snacks. Instead, go for foods like crunchy carrots, juicy apples, and crisp celery. These choices are better for your teeth and can help prevent decay.
• Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to keep your teeth healthy.
  

Follow these simple strategies to prevent the development of cavities between your teeth!

Also Checkout:

• Common Dental Problems and Solutions
• What is Baby Bootle Tooth Decay

FAQs

Conclusion

It’s important to notice if there are spaces between your teeth where cavities might form. Finding these cavities early means your dentist can fix them before they get worse, keeping your teeth healthy and avoiding any big issues. However, treatment options like fillings, root canals, crowns, or, in severe cases, tooth extraction can stop further damage and restore your oral health. So, remember to see a dentist as soon as you notice any oral health problems or cavities in between teeth for the best care. Schedule your appointment now!