Cavities, also known as dental caries, are one of the most common oral health problems. While many cavities form on the chewing surfaces of your teeth where food particles get trapped, they can also appear between teeth. These “interproximal cavities” are tricky because they’re often hidden from view and harder to detect until they’ve progressed. Knowing the signs of a cavity between your teeth can help you catch the problem early and prevent it from getting worse.
Tooth Sensitivity
One of the earliest signs of a cavity is sensitivity. If you notice a sharp or lingering discomfort when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, it could mean decay is forming between your teeth. This happens because the enamel has worn down, exposing the more sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
Pain When Biting or Chewing
Cavities between teeth can make biting down uncomfortable. You might feel a dull ache or even a sharp pain when pressure is applied. Unlike general tooth sensitivity, this discomfort is usually localized to a specific spot and may worsen over time if untreated.
Dark Spots or Stains
Although cavities between teeth are not always visible, sometimes you may notice a small brown or black spot near the gumline or along the side of a tooth. This discoloration is often a sign that decay is progressing. Because it’s difficult to see between teeth, regular dental checkups are essential for spotting hidden cavities.
Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste
When bacteria build up inside a cavity, they can create a persistent foul odor or bad taste in your mouth. If you maintain good oral hygiene but still struggle with bad breath, an interproximal cavity could be to blame.
Food Getting Stuck Frequently
If food seems to get trapped in the same place between your teeth after meals, it may indicate a cavity has created a small pocket. Leftover food particles can feed bacteria, worsening decay and making the cavity larger.
How Dentists Detect Cavities Between Teeth
Because interproximal cavities are difficult to spot on your own, dentists often use X-rays to detect them. Dental X-rays can reveal decay in areas hidden from view, allowing for early intervention before the cavity becomes painful or requires extensive treatment.
Preventing Cavities Between Teeth
The best defense against interproximal cavities is daily care and regular dental visits. Flossing once a day is especially important because it removes plaque and food debris from the tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. Pair this with twice-daily brushing, limiting sugary snacks, and visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.
Cavities between teeth may be harder to spot, but they’re not impossible to detect if you know the warning signs. Tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing, bad breath, and food trapping can all point to hidden decay. If you suspect you have a cavity, don’t wait for the pain to get worse—schedule a dental checkup.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard brings 37-plus years of experience in the dental field to his practice. He graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and then completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles in 1987. Over the decades, he’s completed thousands of hours of continuing education and is constantly updating not only himself, but his team as well regarding new techniques, materials, and technologies. If you need to restore a damaged tooth, we’d be happy to serve you! Schedule your appointment online or call (848) 451-0550.