Interproximal Cavity: A Cavity Between Teeth – Symptoms, Risks

Ever wonder how your dentist treats cavity between teeth? You know, the one you can’t quite reach to clean with your toothbrush? It turns out that little nooks and crannies can be a haven for bacteria, which can lead to cavities.

Everyone can agree that having spaces in our teeth is embarrassing. A dentist might have even told you at some point that you need to wear a retainer or get braces to close the space. But there are several additional options to try before any of them. 

This blog post will explain everything and how to clean the space between your teeth so you can keep your smile healthy and sparkling!

What’s a Cavity?

Cavities between teeth are permanently damaged areas in your teeth that can develop into tiny holes or soft spots. Dental plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth, causing an infection known as tooth decay.

Further, tooth decay can be caused by frequent snacking, excessive consumption of acidic drinks, poor hygiene, and overconsumption of sweet and sour beverages. The enamel may erode from these practices, leaving your teeth vulnerable to infection.

Symptoms of Cavity Between Teeth

Interproximal cavities are decay between your pearly whites. You won’t notice that you have an interproximal cavity until you start to see the issues.

• Sensitivity may occur because the cavity penetrated your enamel and reached the second layer of tissue, called dentin.
• The cavity is usually detected by your dentist or hygienist using an X-Ray.
• Toothache
• Discoloration
• Chewing can cause pain

Risk factors

Everybody with teeth is at risk for developing cavities. You may be at greater risk if you have the following factors:

Tooth Location

The most common place for decay is in the back teeth (molars and premolars). There are a lot of nooks and crevices in these teeth, making them ideal for collecting food. They are more challenging to clean than smoother front teeth.

Some Foods and Drinks

Foods and drinks that stick to your teeth for long periods, such as milk, honey, sugar, and soda, are more likely to cause decay than foods that easily wash away saliva.

Consistent Snacking and Sipping

Sugary drinks give mouth bacteria more fuel to make acids that damage your teeth and cause them to wear down. An acidic bath may form on your teeth by drinking soda and other harsh liquids.

Infant Feeding

When infants are given bottles of milk, formula, juice, or other sugary drinks before bed, the fluids may sit on their teeth for hours, providing food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. 

Baby bottle teeth decay is a common term for this kind of injury. Little ones may do as much harm if they carry about a sippy cup full of these drinks and explore while drinking from them.

Inadequate Brushing

If you don’t brush your teeth right after you consume food or drink, plaque will quickly build up, and the initial stages of tooth decay can start.

Lack Of Fluoride In The Diet

Naturally occurring fluoride aids in cavity prevention and may even cure initial tooth decay. Many public water supplies contain fluoride due to its benefits for teeth. You may find it in many brands of toothpaste and rinsing products, too. However, fluoride is not often found in bottled water.

Children and teens are at greater risk of developing cavities. Senior citizens are also at greater risk. Teeth can become more susceptible to root decay as they age and recede. An older adult may also be more likely to use medications that decrease saliva flow, which can increase the likelihood of tooth decay.

How Do I Deal with Interproximal Cavitation?

Your dentist may recommend one or more of these procedures depending on the cavity’s severity.

Recalcification

Gel fluoride is usually effective in helping to recalcify cavities caught in time and are only halfway into the enamel.

Filling

Even if the cavity goes deeper than halfway through the enamel, the tooth may be repaired with a filling. After drilling, the drilled area is filled with a material like porcelain, gold or silver, resin, amalgam, or other similar materials.

Root Canal

You will feel pain and increased sensitivity if your tooth or its roots are damaged by trauma. Feeling pain when you bite down could indicate that your tooth needs root canal surgery. Infected teeth must need a root canal to be saved or repaired.

The pulp of the tooth is removed. Sometimes, medication is used to clean the root canal. After that, a filling is applied instead of the pulp. It can also be used to treat dental infections or dental abscesses.

Crown

A crown is a protective cap made to appear like your teeth. You can choose from ceramics, porcelain, metal alloys, or composite resin to make a crown. A crown can be used to support and cover a large filling. A root canal may require a crown to be added.

Last words

Thanks for sticking around, folks. So there you have a small cavity between teeth. The next time you go to the dentist and they start poking around in your mouth with that metal contraption, remember that it’s not just for show – it’s a significant part of their diagnostic process! 

Cavities are no joke; if you want to keep your pearly whites shining bright, ensure you take care of those pesky little holes. 

Are you brushing and flossing regularly? Are you seeing your dentist every 6 months? 

If you haven’t begun yet, do so right now! 

Don’t forget to forward this to your friends; they may also need dental advice.