Sneaky Cavities Between Teeth: How to Spot Them

Cavities are considered to be the “most common health condition” that has affected millions of people. Over 90% of adults have had one at some point in their life, but that’s because not all decay is easy to spot. While they often show up on the chewing parts of your teeth, they can also develop between them as well! These can be tough to notice, so here’s a guide to help you out and ways to prevent this dental problem.

So, Is That a Cavity Between My Teeth?

A cavity starts small and will progressively get bigger unless you get it taken care of. If you have one, then you might experience:

• Increased tooth sensitivity, especially when eating anything hot, cold, acidic, or overly sweet.
• Have dark spots, holes, or pits, though these might be difficult to see between your teeth.
• Feel discomfort when biting and chewing, or have persistent bad breath.
• Floss that snags against a particular tooth consistently.

What Will My Dentist Do to Fix My Cavity?

If you notice any of the symptoms above, then it’s important you get it checked out right away. As was mentioned above, decay can start small, but it will not be able to heal on its own. The sooner you catch it, the quicker you can get a simple filling to restore it.

Your dentist will remove the damaged portions of the structure and put tooth-colored composite resin in their place. That way, the look and function are back to normal. If the issue is more severe, then a crown can give you the more dramatic change you need to achieve a comfortable bite.

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

Although your provider can fix cavities with effective treatments, it’s best to do your best to avoid them in the first place! Here are simple tips you can add to your routine:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. This will help strengthen your enamel against acid attacks from plaque.
• Make sure you floss to get rid of bacteria between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach these spots, so you can prevent decay in these tight spaces.
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to get as much as you can.
• Eat sugary foods in moderation and drink plenty of water afterward to wash away lingering particles.

In the end, don’t forget to visit your dentist for your semi-annual checkups and cleanings. They have the advanced training to spot any issues before they become major; that way, you can get them fixed up right away and flaunt a worry-free smile.

About the Practice

At Skillman Family Dentistry of Dallas, our team is committed to helping families protect their smiles. Through preventive care, we can get a head start on making sure your teeth and gums stay strong. Whether a cavity is hiding in plain sight or tucked between your grin, Dr. Henry Lu is here to fix them with reliable treatments, like tooth-colored fillings. If you want to make sure that a suspicious spot isn’t decay, schedule an appointment or call our office at (469) 998–9822.