Hidden Cavities: How to Prevent Decay Between the Teeth

You’ve recently started experiencing tooth pain and sensitivity that you know could point to decay. But when you look at your teeth in the mirror, you don’t notice anything wrong. How can that be? In many cases, it could be that you are indeed suffering from tooth decay – you just can’t see it. A cavity can form anywhere on your teeth, and that includes the spaces between them. It’s important to be aware of this type of decay so that you can work to prevent it from happening and take action if it does occur. Read on to learn everything you need to know about cavities between the teeth (also known as interproximal cavities) so that you can protect your smile!

How are Cavities Between the Teeth Usually Found?

You probably won’t notice an interproximal cavity until it has already reached the dentin layer just below the enamel. At that point, you’re likely to notice discomfort while chewing, and you may experience sensitivity to sweets and cold temperatures. If you notice such symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

It’s also possible to catch interproximal cavities long before they cause you any pain, but to do so you’ll need to attend your biannual dental checkups. During these routine visits, the dentist or a dental hygienist may take X-rays of your mouth that makes it possible to locate cavities that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.

How Can You Prevent Cavities Between the Teeth?

You’ve probably already asked yourself, “How can I prevent cavities where my toothbrush can’t reach?” The most effective solution is to use dental floss at least once a day to clean the various crevices in your smile. Rinsing with mouthwash is also a good way to flush out bacteria that you were unable to remove just by brushing.

You can also reduce your risk for cavities in general by:

• Attending regular cleanings at the dentist’s office every six months.
• Drinking tap water that contains fluoride, which strengthens the enamel and helps it resist decay. This also gives you a chance to wash out harmful substances from your mouth on a regular basis.
• Avoiding sugary foods and beverages. (If sugar stays in your mouth too long, bacteria might feed on it and turn it into an acid, which is what typically leads to decay.)
• Chew sugarless gum throughout the day to keep your teeth and gums clean.

 It’s obviously better to stop interproximal cavities from happening at all, but if such decay does happen, it’s important to have the problem dealt with as early as possible. Keep visiting your dentist, and be ready to take action if you have any reason to think there’s something wrong with the tooth.

About the Practice

The Bethel Dental Clinic is dedicated to personalized dental service. Every patient that walks through our doors is unique and has their own dental needs; our doctors have all undergone advanced training and are skilled with using modern technology to diagnose and treat all kinds of oral health issues. If you believe you’re suffering from an interproximal cavity, get in touch with us right away through our website.