Cavities aren’t exactly an uncommon dental issue. Fortunately, they’re often treatable, especially when they’re spotted early. However, tooth decay can be a rather sneaky condition at times. It can be difficult to know, for example, when a cavity is hiding right between your pearly whites! So how do you find the cavities you can’t see?
Keep scrolling through this post, and you’ll become more familiar with the common warning signs.
Can Cavities Even Develop Between Teeth?
Cavities form when an excessive amount of oral bacteria builds up in your mouth. These bacteria produce acids that erode your enamel, sometimes drastically. It’s that drastic erosion that can create pits and holes in your teeth. Basically, cavities can occur anywhere there’s natural enamel and way too much bacteria, which includes the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your smile!
Indications You Might Have a Sneaky Cavity
Sneaky cavities hiding between your teeth might not be visually obvious. It’s more likely you won’t start to get suspicious until you experience a sharp toothache, sudden dental sensitivity, or odd discoloration that doesn’t quite seem like a normal stain. These are pretty good indications that it’s time to call your emergency dentist!
Another way you can know whether you have a between-tooth cavity is if your dentist notices one during a checkup. An X-ray will expose such stowaways pretty quickly. This is why biannual checkups are so important – since symptoms of decay don’t typically present until the problem has already spread deeper into your tooth, the odds of your dentist finding it first are higher.
Treatments for Tooth Decay
Your dentist can treat cavities in a number of ways, depending on the severity of your case and how the decay has affected your pearly whites. Tooth-colored fillings are the most common way to restore your oral health, but you might need a crown if the damage is more extensive – worse case scenario, your dentist will have to remove the cavity via root canal or tooth extraction.
No matter the case, you can rest assured that your dentist will do their best to take care of your cavity and protect your smile. If your tooth feels or looks a little strange, go ahead and give them a call. They’ll thoroughly examine your mouth for sneaky oral conditions and get to the bottom of your symptoms.
About the Practice
Dr. Prashantkumar Gajera and Dr. Shitalben Patel are a dynamic brother-sister duo who treat their patients like family. If you’re worried about your oral health or suspect you might have a cavity hidden away between your teeth, they’ll make sure you feel comfortable and welcome while they work to diagnose and solve the issue. To contact their office or request a same-day emergency appointment, call 817-524-6654.