About Between-The-Teeth Cavities

You may have recently heard about cavities that form between teeth. This might even be the first time you have heard about this potential oral health problem! Of course, if you don’t floss your teeth, this might have given you quite a startle, causing you to question any tendency toward occasionally (or frequently) avoiding your suggested once-daily flossing. The good news is that making the decision to floss on a regular basis will always be to your advantage. As for those tooth decay questions you have, let’s get them answered.

Can Between-The-Teeth Cavities Really Form?

They really can! Just like the rest of each of your teeth, the tooth tissue on the edges of your teeth that sit next to one another are composed of enamel. This tissue is vulnerable to damage from acids, which can be introduced by eating or drinking acidic foods or by the digestive habits of bacteria found in plaque. Acids are excreted as bacteria found in plaque eat and digest food particles left in your mouth after you eat, leading to tissue softening and cavity formation. So, like on any other part of each tooth, the “between-the-teeth” area is just as susceptible to tooth decay as any other.

How To Prevent These Cavities

As you may have guessed, preventing tooth decay from forming between your teeth is reliant on a few important factors. You will always need to brush twice a day to remove the bulk of the food and plaque that coat your teeth. You will also need to come into our practice, so we can professionally clean your smile. To thoroughly remove as much plaque from between teeth as you can, of course, we suggest you floss once a day (every day). It’s that easy.

ABOUT YOUR AUSTIN, MN, DENTIST:

Our team offers our patients and their family access to comprehensive dental care, including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. To schedule an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312. Our office welcomes patients from Austin, MN and surrounding communities.