Cavities may not be a new oral health issue to you. You’ve likely known about them ever since you were younger. However, even as you are older, it’s still possible for them to pop up in your smile. While it may not be on the surfaces of your teeth, it may show up between them. This sneaky decay can be tricky to find out, so here’s a quick guide on what you need to know.
What Does a Cavity Between My Teeth Feel Like?
Decay is more common on the chewing parts of your teeth and your molars. That being said, that doesn’t mean they’ll exclusively develop there! It’s possible to get some in the interproximal spaces, which are the places between your pearly whites. When this happens, you are likely to notice:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Discomfort when biting and chewing
- A visible dark spot
- Snagging floss on a particular tooth consistently
How Are Cavities Treated?
If any of these symptoms are true for you, then you should call your dentist. A minor cavity can turn into a major problem if it’s not taken care of. You’ll also be able to get a simple filling to get rid of it. Your dentist will remove the decay and fill it with a tooth-colored composite resin, which restores it. For bigger ones, then a crown may be needed. This is a cap that helps fix both function and appearance!
What Can I Do to Avoid Cavities?
In the end, the best way to deal with cavities is to be proactive about them! Thankfully, it’s an easy feat; just add good oral health habits to your routine. Here are simple tips to follow:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day. This will remove plaque while remineralizing your enamel.
- Floss at least once every day to get rid of bacteria and food debris between your teeth.
- Avoid eating too many sugary foods and rinse with water after having them. While in moderation or on occasion is okay, the particles feed the bacteria in your mouth, which produce an acid that weakens the top layer of your grin.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. They can monitor the health of your enamel while catching cavities as they are minor. That way, you get a simple restorative treatment instead of a more in-depth one.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his dental degree from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. He is happy to help the Midwest City community avoid oral health issues like decay. However, if one does show up, then Dr. Kendrick is here to fix it with a filling or a crown. By having a same-day option for the latter service, you can get back to a problem-free smile sooner! If you are worried about a cavity between your teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (405) 732-0431.