Do you see a shadow forming in between your teeth? Do you also observe some sort of hypersensitivity in that site whenever you drink something cold? Maybe you already have a cavity between your teeth and you just don’t know it.
Key Takeaway:
- Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that involves the weakening of enamel, dentin, or cementum.
- Your dental health provider can diagnose caries or carious lesions in between your teeth.
- Your dental health provider can provide the best treatment for the cavity in between your teeth.
- You can prevent the progression of caries in your teeth by brushing your teeth properly, regularly flossing your teeth, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year.
You don’t have to panic if you see discoloration between your teeth, but you do have to visit your dentist immediately because you might already have a cavity between your teeth.
A dental cavity is caused by caries, a multifactorial disease where the tissues of the teeth like the enamel, dentin, or cementum get demineralized.
How do you prevent cavities between teeth?
Since we have already established that dental caries, the disease that causes cavity between teeth is a multi-factorial disease, we must probe into these factors to know how to prevent them.
Multiple scientific studies have shown that caries is caused by four main factors: the host, the substrate, the dental biofilm, and time.
Host
With the host, this means that your nature (salivary flow, genetic factors) can directly contribute to the development and progression of caries in your teeth.
While you cannot alter your genetic component, you can increase your salivary flow by drinking lots of fluid and staying hydrated or chewing on sugar-free gums or sucking on sugar-free lozenges, which can help increase the production of your saliva.
Substrate
When we talk about the substrate, this pertains to where the bacteria adhere and thrives. This means that the substrate in the world of cariology is the surfaces of your teeth. How long does the food stay on the surfaces of your teeth? How often does it get attacked by acids? Do you often consume detergent foods that act like scrubbers on the surface of your tooth?
To prevent the formation of dental caries, you should be wary of this factor as well.
Dental Biofilm
Dental caries, whether it is formed in between your teeth or on any of the five surfaces of it, is also caused by the bacteria present in the oral cavity, specifically Streptococcus mutans.
The presence of S mutans inside the oral cavity does not mean that you will certainly have tooth decay, but high levels of this bacteria can contribute to the initiation and progression of this disease.
As explained by Loesche, S mutans and lactobacilli consume the fermentable carbohydrates in the food that we eat. The by-product of this is acid, which then attacks the enamel and weakens it.
These bacteria are also aciduric, which allows them to thrive in environments with pH lower than 7. Hence, when we eat a lot of fermentable carbohydrates, these bacteria tend to increase in number, and the enamel weakens even more due to the high levels of acid, which the saliva can no longer remineralize.
Time
Cavity between teeth or anywhere on your teeth do not occur overnight. It doesn’t take 24 hours to destroy the hardest substance in your body, which is the enamel, hence one of the factors that comes into play in the development of dental caries is time.
If you have been frequently eating sugary, sticky food for years. If you don’t regularly brush your teeth properly it disrupt the biofilm that has formed on the surfaces of your teeth. Chances are, you will develop caries lesions.
How do you treat cavities between teeth naturally?
Traditional Treatment
Traditional medicines strongly suggest tooth pulling to treat cavities in our teeth. Tooth pulling is when you vigorously swish a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil, or any organic oil that you fancy, inside your mouth.
Although there are a lot of people vouching for this technique, there are no scientific studies that prove the benefits that this procedure could give.
Dental Treatment
When you come into the clinic with a cavity between teeth, the dentist will immediately take your medical, social, and dental history, and try to come up with the best treatment for your chief complaint.
The most common treatment for cavities between teeth is composite restorations.
The dentist will first put the rubber dam in place, excavate caries, assess the depth of the cavity, and restore it with composite resin material.
Composite resins are tooth-colored dental restorations that not only restore the function of the tooth but also provide an esthetic look so the fillings will not be obvious to the naked eye.
The extent of composite restorations will depend on the destruction that has occurred on your teeth. Some restorations for cavities between teeth can look like this:
Image from Andre V. Ritter – Sturdevant’s Art and Science of Operative Dentistry-Mosby (2018).pdf
Or this:
Image from Andre V. Ritter – Sturdevant’s Art and Science of Operative Dentistry-Mosby (2018).pdf
Those cavities between teeth will eventually be filled with composite to restore the biological appearance of the tooth.
Image from Andre V. Ritter – Sturdevant’s Art and Science of Operative Dentistry-Mosby (2018).pdf
How can I stop a cavity from spreading?
To stop a cavity from spreading, it’s essential to take prompt action and follow these steps:
Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Proper oral hygiene helps remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that contributes to tooth decay.
Rinse your mouth
After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash or a saltwater solution. This can help reduce bacteria and promote a healthier oral environment.
Limit sugary foods and beverages
Reduce your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. If you do consume them, try to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth afterward.
Use fluoride products
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and can reverse early-stage tooth decay. Consider using a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash as part of your oral care routine.
Seek professional dental care
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can identify cavities in their early stages and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further spread.
Consider dental sealants
Dental sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. They create a barrier that helps prevent cavities from forming and spreading.
Practice remineralization techniques
Some toothpastes and mouthwashes contain ingredients that promote remineralization, such as calcium and phosphate. These can help repair weakened tooth enamel and prevent further decay.
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dental problems, including cavities. Quitting tobacco and moderating alcohol intake can help maintain oral health.
Remember, while these steps can help prevent further spread of a cavity, they may not reverse the existing damage. If you suspect you have a cavity, it’s important to consult with a dental professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion
When it comes to treating cavities between teeth, professional dental care is necessary. Dentists will assess the extent of the cavity and may recommend composite restorations, which involve removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a tooth-colored resin material. Natural remedies like oil pulling have not been scientifically proven to be effective in treating cavities.
Remember, early detection and prompt treatment are key to preventing the spread of cavities. If you suspect you have a cavity between your teeth or any other dental concern, it’s best to consult with a dental professional for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment options.
