Interproximal cavities, which form between teeth, present a unique challenge in dental health. These areas are hidden from direct view and often difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush alone. Their concealed location makes them particularly problematic, as they can progress significantly before being noticed. Professional dental care is important for both the detection and successful treatment of these hidden cavities.
How Cavities Between Teeth Are Discovered
Interproximal cavities often begin without noticeable symptoms, making self-detection difficult. As decay progresses, individuals might experience tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, or a persistent toothache when biting. Food may also get stuck between teeth, or visible discoloration might appear.
Dental professionals play a central role in identifying these hidden issues. Regular dental examinations and diagnostic tools are essential for early detection. Bitewing X-rays are particularly effective, providing a clear view of the tight spaces between teeth where these cavities develop, revealing decay that might otherwise remain unseen.
Treatment Options for Interproximal Cavities
Treatment depends on the extent of the decay. If a cavity is detected very early and only affects the outermost layer of the tooth enamel, remineralization may be possible. This involves using fluoride treatments, such as fluoride gel or varnish, to help rebuild and strengthen the enamel, potentially reversing the initial stages of decay.
For cavities that have progressed further into the enamel or reached the dentin, dental fillings are the most common treatment. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth, cleans the area, and then fills it with a restorative material. Common filling materials include composite resin, which can be matched to the natural tooth color, or amalgam.
When decay is extensive and has weakened a significant portion of the tooth structure, a dental crown may be necessary. A crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers the entire visible part of the tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function. Crowns are often recommended when a large amount of the tooth has been compromised, or after a root canal procedure to protect the treated tooth.
In severe cases where decay has reached the innermost part of the tooth, known as the pulp, a root canal treatment becomes necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then sealing it. Following a root canal, a crown is typically placed to protect the tooth.
Tooth extraction is a last resort, used when the tooth is too severely damaged or infected to be saved, to prevent infection from spreading. This measure is taken only when other treatments are no longer viable.
Preventing Cavities Between Teeth
Preventing interproximal cavities requires diligent oral hygiene practices that specifically target the spaces between teeth. Brushing alone is not sufficient, as toothbrush bristles cannot effectively reach and clean these tight areas. Daily flossing or using interdental cleaners is important for removing plaque and food particles trapped between teeth and along the gumline, disrupting bacterial activity that leads to decay.
Fluoride plays a significant role in strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks. Using fluoride toothpaste twice daily and, if recommended by a dentist, a fluoride mouth rinse, can help protect against cavities. Many community water supplies are also fluoridated. Limiting the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks is another important preventive measure, as these feed the bacteria that produce acids and erode enamel. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important for early detection of any developing issues and for maintaining optimal oral health.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Them
Ignoring interproximal cavities can lead to a progressive worsening of the decay and more serious health complications. A cavity will continue to grow, extending deeper into the tooth structure. Initially, it may penetrate the enamel, then move into the softer dentin layer, where decay can accelerate rapidly. As the decay reaches the dentin, symptoms like increased sensitivity and pain become more pronounced.
If the cavity is not treated, it can eventually reach the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth. This can lead to intense pain and a severe infection, potentially forming a dental abscess, which is a pocket of pus at the tooth root.
An abscess can cause significant swelling, fever, and persistent throbbing pain, and the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, including the jawbone, face, or neck. In rare but serious cases, the infection from an abscess can even spread to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream or the brain. Ultimately, severe, untreated decay and infection can lead to the loss of the affected tooth.