How To Know If You Have A Cavity Between Teeth?
Table of Contents
Shockingly, more than 90% of Americans have at least one cavity. That is almost everyone!
Most people may not even realize that they have a cavity between their teeth or that it is not visible or causing pain.
As a dental surgeon, it is my job to help people stay informed.
Therefore, I am writing this post to let everyone know how to recognize if they have a cavity between their teeth or molars, why it might be causing discomfort or sensitivity, and how to prevent cavities between teeth.
What is a cavity?
Before getting into how to tell if you have a cavity between your teeth, it’s important to know what a cavity is. It’s a little hole that forms in your teeth due to decay.
This happens when the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that slowly eat away at your tooth enamel.
Cavities are a common dental issue affecting people of all ages, but they can be difficult to spot when they occur between teeth.
Cavities between teeth, also known as Interproximal cavities, can occur when bacteria build up and wear away the protective enamel of the teeth. [1]
This can happen if proper oral hygiene is not maintained, allowing food particles or bacteria to linger on the surface of the teeth over a long time.
As a result, the tooth enamel will weaken, making your teeth more prone to cavities, and decay may form.
If left untreated, these cavities can cause serious dental issues. This article will provide information on the signs of a cavity inbetween teeth and the steps to take if you think you have one.
What causes cavities between teeth?
Eating sugary and acidic foods, having a dry mouth, and having a high level of bacteria in the mouth can all increase the likelihood of cavities forming in the spaces between your teeth.
Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any food particles that might be stuck between your teeth. It’s the first line of defence against bacteria growth and cavities forming.
Taking good care of your dental hygiene is the best way to prevent cavities from forming.
How to know if you have a cavity between your teeth?
If your tooth colour changes or you notice dark spots, it’s usually a pretty easy sign that you have a cavity. But what if the cavity isn’t in plain sight?
Sometimes cavities start to form in between your teeth, which can be hard to detect. That’s why many people don’t find out about them until it’s gotten really bad.
As a dentist, I always come across these kinds of cases. In this article, I will discuss signs suggesting an early cavity in between teeth.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to book an appointment with your dentist ASAP. There are some indicators to be aware of, such as:
Tooth sensitivity:
When consuming food, do you ever experience a sudden and intense sensation?
This could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your tooth enamel. It doesn’t matter what food you eat – hot, cold or sweet.
If you feel such a sensation, it might indicate that a cavity is developing between your teeth.
Visible hole:
If you notice a small hole at the surface of your tooth, it could mean you have a cavity. [2]
This can happen occasionally, and when a cavity begins, it usually starts at the edge of the tooth or between two teeth.
As the small cavity gets bigger and deeper, it can be seen more clearly at the edges.
Sometimes, it may not be visible, but darkened edges could indicate that the cavity is spreading outwards.
Discolouration:
Seeing any brown, black, or white spots on your teeth could be a sign that you have a cavity. Bacteria can weaken the enamel, allowing decay to spread. [3]
The circumference of the decay can cause discolouration, and if you have a sharp sensation in that area, it’s a strong indication of tooth decay between teeth.
However, discolouration can also be caused by bad habits, so it’s not always indicative of a cavity. It is better to consult with a dentist for further examination.
Tooth Pain:
If you suddenly experience intense pain or discomfort when you bite down on something, it is likely a sign that you have cavities between your teeth. [3]
Do not ignore it! It is best to seek immediate dental attention to avoid further risks.
Bad breath:
If you’ve been brushing and flossing regularly, but your bad breath persists, it could indicate a hole in between your teeth.
If you see anything suspicious, make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
He will be able to give you a full examination and determine if you have a cavity between your teeth.
How to Prevent Cavities Between Teeth?
You’ll need good dental hygiene and a healthy diet to avoid cavities in your teeth. The best way to ensure you don’t get cavities is to take preventive measures now.
Here’s some advice to help you keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape and free from cavities.
Brush and Floss Regularly:
It is important to ensure that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. This is necessary to eliminate any food particles and bacteria that may be present in the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste:
Fluoride toothpaste is a great way to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. So don’t forget to brush with fluoride toothpaste!
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks:
It is beneficial to limit sugar consumption by selecting healthier snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of sugary foods or beverages.
Use Mouthwash:
If you are concerned about tooth decay, it might be worth conversing with your dentist about which type of antimicrobial mouthwash might be best for you.
It will help eliminate any bacteria and keep your teeth looking healthy.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting a dentist regularly is essential to keep your teeth and gums in the best possible condition.
During your dental check-up, the dentist will assess your mouth to check for any signs of decay, infection, or other dental health problems.
Knowing the actual state of your oral health will be immensely beneficial, as it can help you avoid any potential harm, such as multiple cavities and other dental issues.
Therefore, visiting the dentist at least once a year is strongly recommended.
Conclusion:
Having cavities between teeth can be a real pain – literally and figuratively!
This common dental problem can lead to more serious dental issues if left unchecked, so it pays to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
It’s a good idea to be proactive and take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist regularly.
Prevention is always key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, so nip cavities in the bud before they become a bigger problem.
Reference:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cavity-between-teeth
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/cavity-between-teeth-5215707
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
Can cavities between teeth be fixed?
Yes, cavities can be fixed depending on their size and depth.
You can often fix small cavities with toothpaste that remineralizes the enamel, but if it is more severe, you may need a filling, root canal, or tooth extraction.
Recently, I discovered a YouTube video that covers the issue of hidden cavities between teeth and how to fix them.
The tooth may not look severely damaged outside, but when the dentist drills it, you will see that much of it was decayed.
The inside of the tooth was very soft, so the dentist carefully drills and cleaned it up before filling the damaged tooth and fixing it.
Don’t wait until the cavity becomes too large; if you suspect you have one, go to the dentist right away.
Here is the link to the video: