Given how common they are, cavities are quite easy to spot. With a deep dark pit forming in the middle of your tooth and sudden bouts of pain overtaking you, they can be identified from a mile away. But surprisingly, not all cavities abide by that rule.
Sometimes, a cavity can grow on the side of your tooth. This placement makes them particularly tricky to detect. Plus, if left untreated, it can lead to a myriad of dental complications.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about side-tooth cavities. From causes to the best treatment methods, we’ve got you covered!
Causes
The sides of your teeth are often overlooked. Not many people consider it to be a place for cavities to take place. However, bacteria are known to be sneaky. It doesn’t take them long to slither into the nooks and crannies of your mouth, settling in.
Plus, there are numerous reasons that cause a cavity to take root in your mouth. Some of these causes entail:
- Neglecting oral hygiene
- Consuming too many sugary and acidic foods
- Dry mouth
- Not rinsing your mouth after drinking something sweet
- Lack of fluoride
- Underlying health conditions (such as acid reflux or eating disorders)
Can You Fix A Cavity On The Side Of A Tooth?
Despite being rare, a cavity on the side of a tooth can easily be treated. That is if you can identify it in time. Depending on the severity of the decay, your dentist will recommend a treatment option that works best for you.
Although, it is important to note that an undetected cavity that has seriously impacted your tooth may result in tooth extraction.
Nevertheless, even though a cavity can be fixed, it is still important to play your part and work on preventing cavities from forming on the side of your teeth. You can do this by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. In addition to that, regularly checking in with your dentist for evaluations and cleanings can positively affect your teeth, especially in the long run.
How To Treat Cavity Growing On The Side Of A Tooth
In order to get rid of the cavity growing on the side of your tooth, consult your dentist. Based on the gravity of your situation, they may suggest any of the following treatment methods:
- Dental Filling
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth Extraction (only in extreme cases)
- Sealant
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental Crown
- Veneers
- Dental Implant (only in extreme cases)
Long Story Short
To sum it all up, as unfamiliar as it may seem, a cavity on the side of your tooth doesn’t take As unfamiliar as it may seem, a cavity on the side of your tooth doesn’t take long to fester. Once the bacteria settles into the narrow space between your teeth, getting it out can be a challenge.
Thankfully, our team of dental experts here at Texas Premier Dental is well-versed in the procedure. For more information on the matter, feel free to contact us at (281) 206-0100 or drop by our clinic at 13203 Fry Rd Ste 500, Cypress, TX 77433, located right next to Texas Children’s Pediatrics.