Pediatric Dental Cavities Occurring Between the Teeth

Many parents assume that, as long as their children aren’t complaining of tooth pain, their teeth are healthy and free from dental disease. However, no pain doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no problem! Dental cavities are notorious for being very sneaky and not causing any pain until the tooth has become infected. This means your child will likely need root canal therapy to treat the tooth instead of just a simple filling procedure. Dental cavities that occur between the teeth (also known as interproximal cavities) are the sneakiest of all.

Interproximal Cavities

If a dental cavity between the teeth is suspected, we will use a bite-wing X-ray to confirm. This will not only allow us to detect the dental cavity, but to assess its depth and severity. If an interproximal dental cavity is caught early enough, it can be recalcified with fluoride gel. If the cavity has penetrated the tooth enamel, a filling procedure will need to be performed. Lastly, if the cavity has gone untreated for long enough and allowed to reach the pulp of the tooth, your child will likely need a root canal and a dental crown.

Symptoms of an Interproximal Cavity

There are a few symptoms that may point towards an interproximal dental cavity in your child. These symptoms can include:

• Tooth sensitivity to certain foods, especially sugar
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Pain or trouble chewing or biting food

In the end, the best way to prevent dental cavities from forming between teeth is to floss and practice good oral hygiene. Brushing will get the surfaces of the teeth clean, but flossing is vital to preventing cavities between the teeth. Additionally, your child should visit our office every six months for a dental cleaning and an exam, which can allow us to catch dental cavities early on.

To schedule an appointment for your children at our office, please contact Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry located here in Parker, Colorado!