When it comes to cavities, they are a prevalent oral health issue that affects almost everyone at some point in their life. Kids and adults alike can get them, often having them appear on the chewing surface of a tooth. While these places might be easy to spot, did you know they can develop between your teeth? These areas might be a bit trickier to see if you have decay, so here’s how you can tell if you do.
Does A Cavity Between My Teeth Feel Different?
As was said above, cavities are more common on the crown parts of teeth, particularly in your molars, because of their deeper grooves. However, they can show up in the interproximal spaces of your smile, which are simply the areas between your teeth. If this does happen, you are likely to experience:
- Floss consistently snagging against a certain tooth
- A visible dark spot
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and overly sweet foods and drinks
What Can My Dentist Do to Treat Cavities?
If you notice any of these symptoms, then it’s important you visit your dentist as soon as possible. Cavities can start minor, but they can turn into a serious issue when left untreated. By catching them early, you can also get a simple filling to treat it. Your dentist will be able to remove the decay and fill it with tooth-colored composite resin to restore it. For larger ones, a crown will be needed to restore both function and appearance.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Regardless, the best way to deal with cavities is by preventing them in the first place! It’s as easy as following the right tips and habits for your oral routine, so here are good ones to consider keeping up with:
- Brush for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. This removes plaque on your smile while also strengthening your enamel.
- Floss at least once every day to clean bacteria and debris from between your teeth and under your gumline.
- Limit sugary foods and drink water after eating them to wash away any lingering particles.
You should also keep up with visits to your dentist twice a year! Checkups and cleanings allow them to monitor any changes to your smile, catching problems while they are still early. That way, you can get the simple restorative treatment you deserve to a problem-free smile once again.
About the Practice
At Richland Dental, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help the Richardson community be proactive about their grins with checkups and cleanings. These let us stay on top of dental problems, like cavities, that get in the way of strong teeth and gums. If it’s time for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 812-9701.