Tell us if this sounds familiar:
You check your teeth almost every night after brushing and they seem healthy. You can't see any brown or black spots on their surface. But, then you go and see Dr. Garubba for your regular preventive check-up and find out that you have a cavity in between two teeth.
Can cavities form in between teeth too?
The short answer is yes. They are called interproximal cavities and can cause quite a lot of problems.
Let's learn more.
The bacteria in your mouth love to feed on the sugars and starches you consume, producing acid that erodes tooth enamel. As the acid attacks your teeth, it creates small holes in the enamel, which can eventually grow larger and deeper, leading to the formation of a cavity.
You can avoid some of this by brushing your teeth at least two times a day. But, here's the problem. Your teeth aren't an even and smooth surface. There are lots of nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.
When plaque and food particles accumulate in these spaces, they can provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause tooth decay.
The best way to prevent cavities in between teeth is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. And by that we mean brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It is also important to visit your Lehigh Valley dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, as they can help remove any plaque and tartar from those hard-to-reach areas.
If you want to take your oral hygiene one step further, you can also do the following to reduce the risk of interproximal cavities:
If you suspect that you have a cavity in between your teeth, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, interproximal cavities can lead to more serious dental problems, such as toothaches, abscesses, and even tooth loss.
Treatment for interproximal cavities doesn't differ too much from treatment for regular cavities. The dentist will try to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean it. Then, they will use a filing to restore your tooth's appearance and functionality.
If the cavity is quite large or has caused a lot of damage to the tooth, the dentist may need to perform a root canal. This means that the dentist will drill through the tooth to remove the infected or damaged pulp.
Dr. Garubba can help you maintain good oral health and avoid interproximal cavities.
Get in touch with Next Chapter Smiles LLC to book your next appointment.
