Recent research shows that 92% of US adults between the age groups of 20 to 64 have cavities between their teeth. It is a relatively common condition and affects many. Often we neglect the hygiene of our dental parts and only when some kind of excruciating pain happens there, do we become conscious of these.
This article will explain what causes a cavity between teeth and what measures you can take to treat and prevent it. It also details the causes and symptoms of cavities. So read along and educate yourself on the factors that contribute to cavities between teeth!
What Do You Mean By A Cavity Between Teeth?
Dental cavities also known as dental caries, are holes that form in the surface of your teeth as a result of many conditions such as plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, and consuming sugary food and drinks.
Specifically, cavities are formed as a result of acids slowly eroding the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. It is a common condition and can affect almost anyone but young children and older adults are some groups that are at higher risk of experiencing this condition. When this cavity is found between two teeth, it is called an interproximal cavity.
It is also characterized by a small hole formed in your tooth enamel as a result of tooth decay due to bacterial infection or acid buildup. Cavities between teeth are a relatively common condition. Even if you are someone who diligently brushes your teeth, inadequate flossing can cause tartar and plaque to build up in the space between your teeth.
What causes a cavity between teeth?
Several factors contribute to a cavity between your teeth. Some of these are detailed below:
- Poor oral hygiene- If you have inadequate oral hygiene, it can lead to bacterial plaque buildup between your teeth. These bacteria then create certain acids that can erode your enamel and cause dental cavities.
- Dental plaques- These are sticky colorless films of bacteria that attach to gums and teeth. If not removed effectively, it can cause a buildup of plaque and cause dental cavities.
- Certain dietary habits- If you have a habit of consuming food rich in sugar and carbohydrates, it can create a favorable atmosphere for the bacteria to thrive.
- Inadequate fluoride exposure- A lack of fluoride exposure can cause demineralization on your teeth and lead to cavities between them. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel and you can get it from sources such as toothpaste, drinking water, and medical treatments.
- Misaligned tooth- Also called malocclusion, the misaligned tooth can be another factor that causes the interproximal cavity. Having a misaligned tooth means there can be gaps between the teeth that can trap food particles and create a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria.
Identifying a cavity between teeth
Depending on the location and extent of the cavities, the signs and symptoms can vary. Anyway, here are some telltale signs that you might be suffering from interproximal cavities.
- Spontaneous and sudden toothaches without any considerable cause.
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Sharp and pulsating pain especially while eating something cold, sweet, or hot.
- Color stains on your teeth, especially black, brown, or white.
- Noticeable holes and pits on the teeth.
- Pain while chewing or biting foods.
How is a cavity between teeth treated?
It is ideal to have regular checkups with your dentist to address the earliest signs of cavities between your teeth. Based on the extent and extremity of your condition, the dentist can suggest anyone of the following methods:
- Remineralization- This natural tooth repair process does exactly the opposite of demineralization, where your tooth enamel gets corroded and loses important minerals. When your teeth can’t replace the minerals they lost by demineralization, it can lead to more complications. Remineralization plays a crucial part here as it helps your body to get minerals like calcium and phosphate from your saliva and deposits them on your enamel.
- Root Canal- When the interproximal cavity lies undetected for a longer period, it can become severe and involves the area around the pulp where the nerve and blood vessels around the tooth lie. In such cases, dentists usually recommend a root canal. In this case, your pulp gets removed from the tooth and to prevent any further infection, medication is prescribed. Later on, this pulp area is occupied with some fillers.
- Filling- This is an in-office procedure where the dental cavities are filled with some external object to restore the function of the teeth and regain their aesthetic appearance. There are different types of fillings such as amalgam fillings, glass ionomer, gold fillings, and composite fillings.
- Extraction- This method is prescribed in case of severe dental cavities that can’t be treated using any other methods. In this case, the affected tooth is pulled or extracted out of its origin. This involves the application of local anaesthesia which can help to numb the area around the affected teeth. The oral surgeon will extract the tooth along with the root.
- Crown- Dental crowns are usually applied for various reasons and it is characterized by tooth-shaped caps. These are placed over your teeth and are applied in cases where you have weak teeth, or you have a misshapen tooth. It is also applied to restore a broken tooth and cover a tooth that hasn’t undergone a root canal.
Preventing cavities between teeth
It is always important to follow certain preventive measures to avoid the onset of cavities between your teeth. These measures include:
- Using fluoride toothpaste brush your teeth twice a day- A study published in the Cochrane Library journals has explained that fluoride toothpaste can be effective in preventing tooth decay.
- Following a tooth-healthy diet involves limiting sugary drinks and foods and consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This supports the increased flow of saliva to the mouth which promotes a good oral microbiome.
- Make flossing a crucial part of dental hygiene- Flossing is as important as brushing your teeth. This can help to remove the remaining food particles and plaque deposited around the teeth.
- Follow regular dental check-ups- Oftentimes, we are too hesitant to visit the dentist without a proper reason. But this is not right. You need to have regular dental check-ups for professional cleanings and to detect earlier signs of any dental problems.
Conclusion
The cavity between teeth is also known as the interproximal cavity and it is a relatively common condition. Dental cavities or dental caries usually affect younger children and older adults the most. These are caused by several factors such as poor dental hygiene, not flossing enough, consuming a diet rich in sugar and carbohydrates, inadequate fluoride intake, etc.
Some of the symptoms of the cavity between teeth include persistent toothaches, heightened tooth sensitivity, inability to bite or chew foods, etc. There are several methods to treat cavities between the teeth and these include processes such as remineralization, crowning, using fillers, root canal, and tooth extraction.
By following good dental hygiene, consuming a tooth-friendly diet, and having regular dentist appointments, you can prevent the onset of interproximal cavities.
FAQs
Yes. A dentist can help you to fix the cavity between your teeth using a crown, filling, or even root canal methods.
There are no methods to fix a cavity between teeth at home. You need to consult your dentist for this purpose.
Yes. If diagnosed in the early stages, the tooth cavities can be cured.
To stop a cavity from spreading, you can follow methods like Regular brushing and flossing, limiting sugary snacks, using fluoride toothpaste, getting dental sealants, staying hydrated, etc.
Some of the factors that lead to cavities between teeth include poor dental hygiene, consuming sugary foods, dry mouth, stress, and even genetics.
Some of the symptoms that indicate cavities between teeth include: Pain and sensitivity, holes, discoloration, bleeding gums, bad breath, etc.
