Cavities between your teeth, also known as interproximal cavities, are a common dental problem. They can occur when food and plaque get trapped between your teeth and are not removed by brushing and flossing. If left untreated, interproximal cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
What Causes Cavities Between Your Teeth?
Cavities between your teeth are caused by the same factors that cause cavities on other tooth surfaces: plaque, sugar, and time. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth mix with food and saliva. Plaque contains acids that can erode your tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.
Sugar is the food source for the bacteria in plaque. When you eat or drink sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in plaque produce more acid. This acid can damage your tooth enamel and eventually lead to cavities.
Time is also a factor in the development of cavities. The longer plaque and sugar stay on your teeth, the more likely you are to develop cavities.
How to Prevent Cavities Between Your Teeth
The good news is that cavities between your teeth can often be prevented with good oral care habits. Here are some tips:
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Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
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Floss once a day. Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach.
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Eat a healthy diet. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
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See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can help you identify and treat cavities early, before they cause serious problems.
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Use dental sealants. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Sealants can help to prevent cavities by keeping food and plaque out of the grooves in your teeth.
Conclusion
Cavities between your teeth can be a serious problem, but they can often be prevented with good oral care habits. By brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Additional Tips
In addition to the tips above, here are some other things you can do to help prevent cavities between your teeth:
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Use an interdental brush. An interdental brush is a small, tapered brush that can be used to clean between your teeth.
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Use a water flosser. A water flosser is a device that uses a stream of water to clean between your teeth.
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Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum can help to increase saliva production, which can help to wash away food and plaque from your teeth.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Location
1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914
Hours
Mondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed
Hunter Dental Care, 1739 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230-1914 • (503) 256-3737 • hunterdentalcare.com • 6/17/2025 • Related Terms: dentist Portland OR •
