How To Fix Cavities Between Teeth?
A cavity between two teeth is considered an interproximal cavity. Interproximal cavities appear when the enamel wears away and bacteria adheres to the tooth, causing decay. This article will suggest to you the way to fix cavities between teeth.
Signs of cavities between teeth
Cavities symptoms differ based on the degree and location of the cavity. When a cavity is just getting started, you may not notice any symptoms at all. As the deterioration progresses, it may produce signs and symptoms such as:
- Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain with no apparent reason
- Teeth sensitivity
- Pain while eating or drinking something sweet, spicy or cold.
- Visible pits or holes in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white stains on any surface of a tooth
- Pain when you bite down
What causes cavities between teeth?
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, mouths are always fighting to keep cavities free. Acid is formed when naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth react with the carbohydrates you consume. This acid will begin to demineralize the tooth enamel, generating white patches that indicate dental weakness. Your teeth lose minerals as you eat and drink throughout the day, a process known as demineralization. When your body is unable to replenish what you lose, it might become a problem. Demineralization can cause irreparable damage to the enamel, resulting in the formation of cavities.
Diagnose interproximal cavities between teeth
Interproximal cavities are more difficult to notice visually because they occur in the narrow areas between teeth. A bite-wing x-ray is often utilized to obtain an accurate diagnosis. It allows the dentist to discover such cavities in their early stages.
Fluoride treatment can be administered to remineralize the afflicted tooth if the patient’s interproximal cavity has not progressed more than halfway through the enamel. Fillings are the conventional therapy if the cavity has progressed past the enamel. Because composite resin fillings may be color-matched to the person’s teeth, they are recommended for this role.
How to fix cavities between teeth?
Remineralization
Remineralization is a natural process for tooth repair. Your body deposits calcium and phosphate minerals from your saliva in your enamel.
It replaces lost minerals in the teeth, keeping them strong and preventing tooth decay. Remineralization agents help the enamel absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate, which strengthens it. Fluoride, a mineral added to water, helps prevent dental decay and makes enamel more resistant to acid degradation.
Dental filling
A filling is a dental restoration that fills a hole or cavity in the tooth. After the dentist removes the decay, a filling is inserted to restore function and aesthetics. Moreover, it helps in the prevention of additional dental damage and tooth loss. When choosing fillings, you should be informed of the various types available, including:
- Amalgam fillings: Silver, tin, copper, and mercury are used to make them. It is tough, durable, and less costly than other forms of fillings.
- Composite fillings: These are created from resin and plastic. It is softly inserted into the hollow and then solidified with a brilliant blue “curing” light.
- Glass ionomer fillers: These are constructed of glass and acrylic. They are weaker, which makes them preferable for youngsters whose teeth are changing.
- Gold fillings: These are extremely durable, but they are also highly costly, hence they are not often used.
Root canal
When a cavity reaches the pulp, a root canal may be required to repair and save a significantly damaged or infected tooth rather than removing it. The infected tooth pulp is extracted. To remove any infection, medication is occasionally inserted into the root canal. The pulp is then replaced with a filling. Potential infections and dental abscesses are also treated.
Crown
A dental crown is constructed of porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a mix of two components that protects weak or damaged teeth. These restorations are frequently the last stage in a root canal treatment. However, if decay has damaged a tooth around a filling and the hole is too wide, your dentist may use a crown to seal off the region and provide support for the tooth.
Even brushing twice a day for the prescribed two minutes will not eliminate plaque and bacteria from the grooves and fissures in your teeth. Flossing at least once or twice a day and limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks are the greatest ways to help prevent interproximal cavities from developing.
Extraction
Cavities can cause teeth to be so seriously damaged that extraction is the only alternative. This is typically the situation with severe cavities when the cavities have so badly damaged the tooth that it cannot be healed and must be extracted. The root must be retrieved, often known as pulling.
Tooth extraction is a very straightforward process that will include the use of a local anesthetic to numb the region. The entire tooth, including the root, will then be extracted by your dental surgeon. In some circumstances, the bone grafting material will be inserted into the extraction socket. The entire treatment takes around an hour on average.
How to prevent cavities between teeth?
Maintain a good oral hygiene practice
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep bacteria at bay in your mouth. To strengthen and remineralize your teeth, use fluoride toothpaste.
Reduce your sugar consumption
Limit your intake of sugary, sweet, or acidic foods to reduce your chances of dental decay. Choose tooth-friendly foods such as carrots, apples, and celery instead.
Avoid tobacco products
Tobacco usage and smoking can impair your oral health, producing discoloration, decay, and even gum disease. To keep your tongue and body healthy, avoid these goods.
Maintain regular dental visits
Professional cleanings and frequent checkups are required to maintain excellent dental health. Your dentist can remove plaque and diagnose any potentially dangerous conditions early on.
Use hydroxyapatite toothpaste
Brush your teeth with hydroxyapatite toothpaste instead of fluoride toothpaste. This aids in the restoration of your enamel without the negative side effects associated with fluoride.
Using a fluoride gel allows to remineralize teeth, however, fluoride can have a number of negative side effects. Instead, hydroxyapatite is equally effective as fluoride, yet it is safer to use.
Remember to brush your teeth before going to bed to reduce nighttime plaque accumulation.
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Root Canal Treatment: What You Need To Know
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Why It Should Be Done?
Oily Scalp: Causes and Treatments