Out of sight, out of mind is a great philosophy when it comes to things like those stray ice cubes you secretly kick under the fridge when you drop them on the floor. Unfortunately, however, when it relates to your oral health, nothing could be further from the truth. That’s because even though you can’t see between your teeth, keeping those spaces clean is absolutely essential for preventing things like gum disease and interproximal cavities. Here’s why when it comes to your smile, even though you don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important!
What are Interproximal Cavities?
Interproximal cavities are decay that occurs between the teeth. These weak spots in the enamel can easily develop when you don’t clean your teeth properly by regularly flossing. In fact, many people don’t realize that brushing alone only cleans about 70 percent of the surface of a tooth. Thus, that remaining 30 percent must be cared for with the help of dental floss.
How Can I Tell if I Have an Interproximal Cavity?
Unfortunately, because they’re located between the teeth, it can be very difficult to spot an interproximal cavity on your own. Often, they are diagnosed with an X-ray at your regular dental checkup, or you may notice some of the following warning signs on your own at home:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Pain or sensitivity when eating sweet or acidic foods or drinks.
- Pain or difficulty chewing on the tooth or side of the mouth where the cavity is located.
- Dental floss that gets caught or has difficulty gliding between certain teeth.
How Can I Prevent Interproximal Cavities?
The good news is that with regular flossing (at least once a day) you can reduce your risk of developing interproximal cavities in conjunction with a solid oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist every six months for your regular preventive exams and cleaning. Furthermore, if you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t wait until your next exam to seek help. Contacting your dentist as early as possible can greatly reduce the severity of the cavity, allowing you to preserve more of the natural tooth structure and bring back your healthy, pain-free smile much faster!
Remember, while it’s not always important to see the intricate details of the insides of your computer or the water pipes that run under your house, when it comes to your teeth, what you don’t see could very well hurt you! Thus, be sure to protect your smile with regular flossing, and if you notice any changes that could indicate an interproximal cavity, contact your dentist right away!
About Dr. Lavery
Dr. Brian Lavery earned his undergraduate degree at Rutgers College and his Dental Degree at New Jersey Dental School (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). Since then, he has amassed an impressive 1,000+ hours of continuing education, in specialized areas such as dental implants and non-surgical periodontal treatment. If you are suffering from a painful interproximal cavity, or suspect you may have one, don’t give it a chance to get worse. Schedule an appointment with us today by visiting our website or calling 609-588-5600 and let us help you get back your healthy, pain free smile!