Cavities are one of the most common oral healthcare issues. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, 91% of adults 20 years or older have had at least one cavity in their lives. It’s important to address them as soon as possible, because if left alone, they can lead to other issues like infection or even eventual tooth loss.
In an ideal world, we would call our dentist as soon as we notice any deterioration. The truth is, though, that we often don’t even know that we have a cavity until some damage is already done. This can be especially true for cavities between your teeth (interproximal) that you can’t see. Keep reading to learn indicators that let you know you might have an interproximal cavity so you can catch it early on.
What Causes Cavities Between Teeth?
In general, cavities form when the protective enamel of our teeth is worn away by acids from the foods we consume or unhealthy bacteria that have begun to thrive. This causes decay that can spread to your other teeth and gums if left unattended. It’s known to flourish in places you might not be aware of, like below the gum line or between our teeth.
How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity Between My Teeth?
Unfortunately, we are often unaware that there’s a problem until we experience symptoms. Typically, you’ll know you might have a cavity if:
- You’re experiencing new tooth sensitivity, especially to extremely hot or cold temperatures. This happens when the outer enamel has already been penetrated. If the pain is sudden and sharp, it could be due to a cavity.
- You have a toothache. Tooth pain is never a good sign!
- You notice discoloration. You might see dark spots on your teeth which can occur right before a hole forms in the enamel.
- You feel discomfort when you chew or bite down that you didn’t notice before.
If you’re having any kind of discomfort in your teeth, it’s a good idea to call your dentist for a checkup. They’ll be able to help determine what is causing the problem and formulate an appropriate treatment plan before more serious harm takes place.
How Can I Avoid Cavities?
Preventative care is the best way to avoid cavities. That means it’s imperative to keep up a consistent dental hygiene routine that includes:
- Thoroughly brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each.
- Flossing twice daily.
- Limiting consumption of highly sugary foods and beverages.
- Curbing back on tobacco or alcohol use.
- Keeping up with routine dental visits.
If you’ve noticed signs of a cavity, reach out to your dentist. They have the expertise and instruments to officially determine whether you have a cavity and recommend a course of action. Although some damage may already have taken place, often the fix is as simple as a filling. Once it’s repaired, you can adopt healthy habits so you hopefully won’t need to see the dentist again for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Roberto Graffeo achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the NYU College of Dentistry in 1990 and has completed countless hours of continuing education courses over the past decades. He offers each patient a customized treatment plan that focuses on the needs of each individual so that you can meet all of your dental health goals. The office even offers extended hours and is open until 8 p.m. three times a week so that you can more easily fit appointments into your busy schedule. If you’ve noticed any pain or sensitivity in your teeth, feel free to request an appointment on the website or call (201) 683-3531.