Getting a cavity is one of the most inconvenient and annoying dental problems. If left unchecked, cavities can grow and do some serious damage. Most cavities happen on the surface of your teeth, but did you know that you can also get a cavity between your teeth? These cavities are called interproximal cavities and are the sneakiest of the different types of cavities.
Don't Wait to See Your Dentist
Many people make the mistake of waiting to see their dentist until they start feeling a toothache or sensitivity on the surface of their teeth. With surface cavities, this sensitivity can happen regularly, which then indicates to the person that they should get it checked out. Interproximal cavities often don't exhibit the same kind of sensitivity, especially since you aren't using those portions of your teeth for chewing. As such, you typically won't feel the pain that comes from having a cavity in those areas.
If you wait too long between your dental checkups, cavities between your teeth can go undiagnosed and start to cause major problems for you in the long run. See your dentist on a regular six-month schedule to make sure you're catching all your problems before they get worse.
Treating Interproximal Cavities
If you think you might have a cavity between your teeth, see your dentist immediately. Your dentist will diagnose the cavity using X-rays with a bitewing, which is a wing-shaped device that you bite down on to hold the film in place. After determining the presence of the cavity, your dentist will determine how much decay has occurred. If it hasn't penetrated too deep into your tooth's enamel, a simple treatment of fluoride gel may be enough to stop the cavity in its tracks. If the cavity is deeper than that, a typical filling of composite or amalgam is used. Of course, if you leave this cavity to continue decaying your teeth, you may need to go through more extensive treatment to prevent tooth loss, such as a root canal or crown.
Preventing Interproximal Cavities
Cavities between your teeth can be annoying and painful, especially if they go undiagnosed. As such, it's important to know how to prevent these cavities from happening in the first place. While brushing is the standard answer in preventing cavities, that advice isn't comprehensive enough for interproximal cavities. Brushing may take care of some of the plaque between your teeth, but it won't get it all. Regular flossing is the best way to prevent interproximal cavities. Pair regular flossing with regular dental checkups and you can feel confident knowing that you are doing your best to prevent these types of cavities from forming.
You should also make an effort to take extra steps in your dental hygiene routine after you eat food that gets easily stuck between your teeth like popcorn and chips, among others. Floss immediately after eating these foods so you make sure you don't miss anything during your routine.