Did you notice a cavity in between your teeth? Also known as the interproximal cavity, progressive tooth decay between teeth is usually a result of not flossing. Therefore, even if you are diligent with your brushing, the area between your teeth can suffer due to neglect to floss. Like any other location, a cavity in between teeth forms as a result of plaque and food particles.
In this blog, you can find information on cavities between teeth, how to treat them, and more. Carry on reading to learn more!
How To Know If You Have A Cavity In Between Teeth
If you are unsure whether the sudden brown spot between your teeth is a cavity or something else, a few indications can help. The following symptoms will occur if you are dealing with an interproximal cavity:
- Since the cavity penetrates the enamel and reaches the dentin layer, you will feel increased tooth sensitivity. Hence, your tooth might hurt or exhibit discomfort when it comes in contact with something sweet, hot, or extremely cold.
- You will experience a constant toothache in the affected area.
- The color of your tooth will alter; you will notice a brown or black spot between your teeth.
- Eating or biting down will aggravate the area and cause pain.
- A hole or pit will appear on the tooth. This is because, unfortunately, the cavity in between teeth is usually hard to spot due to its location. Thus, you might know you have a cavity when it spreads and causes discomfort.
Cavity In Between Teeth Treatment
If you suspect a cavity between your teeth, it is best to approach a dental professional. This is because you cannot reverse tooth decay at this stage, and only professional treatment can stop a cavity in between your teeth.
Here are a few professional treatments for cavities between teeth:
- Dental Filling: Your dentist might recommend a dental filling if the cavity has extended more than halfway into the tooth enamel. This procedure can help restore the normal shape and function of the tooth.
- Root Canal: Sometimes, the cavity can lead to an infected tooth. In such instances, you will require a root canal treatment to clean out the infected tissue. Then, a biocompatible material will be used to fill the tooth, strengthening it.
- Crown: If you have severe decay, a dental crown might be a suitable choice. It helps restore the tooth to its normal shape while offering protection against additional damage.
- Extraction: It’s possible that the damage is too severe for any restoration procedure to save the tooth. If that’s the case, your dentist might recommend tooth extraction to prevent further complications.
Tips to Prevent Cavities
You can avoid the troubles of a cavity in between teeth or on the surface of teeth altogether by practicing prevention tips. These simple yet essential steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of cavities. Below, you will find some prevention tips for tooth decay:
- Practice proper oral hygiene routine
- Cut back on sugary foods and beverages
- Refrain from consuming tobacco in any form
- Don’t skip your dental visits!
Conclusion
In simple terms, a cavity can form on your front tooth, especially if you neglect to floss. Therefore, pay regular visits to your dentist to spot any dental issue before it becomes serious. At Porter Smile Dental, we offer multiple procedures to keep your smile healthy and bright! Contact us now at (281) 519-7200 or visit us at 21693 FM 1314 Ste 700, Porter, TX 77365.