Interface Rot

Interproximal cavities manifest not only by creating a bad taste and odor in the mouth but also with symptoms such as pain and sensitivity. Especially frequent consumption of sugary foods nourishes the bacteria in the mouth, and the acid secreted by these bacteria begins to damage tooth enamel. If interproximal cavities are not treated, they can lead to serious health problems. Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves his patients in Adana, provided information about interproximal cavities that occur on the side surfaces of teeth or between two teeth.

What is Tooth Decay, What are Its Types?

Tooth decay occurs as a result of damage to the hard surfaces of teeth due to acids secreted by bacteria in the mouth. The most common types of tooth decay are as follows:

Interproximal Cavities – These are cavities that occur between two teeth or on the side surfaces of teeth. Using dental floss and interdental brushes is among the most effective methods to protect against interproximal cavities.

Pit and Fissure Cavities – Deep grooves can form on the chewing surfaces of the tooth. Cavities that form at this point are called pit and fissure cavities.

Root Cavities – These are cavities that occur on the root surfaces of teeth.

What is Interproximal Cavity (Rampant Decay)?

Interproximal cavities mostly occur in early childhood. Interproximal cavities are frequently encountered especially in children between the ages of four and eight. Interproximal cavities, which are relatively more difficult to detect and monitor compared to other types of cavities, are among the dental problems that should not be neglected. Interproximal cavities, which form in the lower part of the tooth surface and very close to the nerves, on the surfaces where teeth touch each other, may not be noticed without causing pain. Therefore, rapidly progressing interproximal cavities can bring serious health problems. Regular dental check-ups should not be neglected for the early detection of interproximal cavities.

What Are the Causes of Interproximal Tooth Decay?

The most common period for interproximal cavities is between 4-8 years of age. Children start walking in this age range. Milk, formula, and fruit juices given to babies with a bottle or sippy cup before sleep are among the important causes of interproximal cavities. Besides this, if we need to list the causes of interproximal cavities:

The inability to instill oral and dental care habits in children during the 4-8 age range, when their fine motor development is completed, is an important reason. For this reason, oral and dental care habits should be instilled in babies as early as possible.

Interproximal cavities are frequently encountered when oral hygiene and dental care are not an indispensable part of daily life routine.

Cleaning interproximal surfaces is difficult. Uncleaned food residues lead to the formation of bacteria, plaque, and tartar between teeth over time. Therefore, dental floss, antiseptic mouthwash, and interdental brushes should be used.

What Are the Symptoms of Interproximal Cavity in Children?

• The occurrence of brown, black stains on the teeth
• The formation of visible cavities on the tooth surfaces
• A bad taste and odor in the mouth
• Feeling pain and sensitivity in the teeth can be listed among the symptoms of interproximal cavities.

How Are Interproximal Cavities Diagnosed?

It is difficult to detect interproximal cavities by looking from the outside. To detect interproximal cavities, which can be identified in X-ray images, early and take precautions, it is necessary to go to a dental clinic with radiological imaging systems for regular check-ups.

How is Interproximal Cavity Treated in Children?

Treatment planning is carried out according to the size and type of the cavity. Interproximal cavities are generally treated with filling applications. However, in patients who lose their teeth due to interproximal cavities, a crown veneer may be required on the tooth. For the crown veneering process, the size of the healthy part of the tooth and the location of the cavity are taken into consideration. If the pedodontist deems it necessary, they may also evaluate different restorative treatment options.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Interproximal Cavities?

Regular Dental Care: Children's gums are more sensitive compared to adults. Therefore, a brushing habit should be instilled twice a day using a soft toothbrush, and the toothbrush should be replaced at least every three months. The brushing process should last a minimum of two minutes. First, the cheeks, then the teeth and chewing surfaces should be brushed. 

Use of Dental Floss: Using dental floss allows access and action on surfaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. Using dental floss is the most effective way to prevent plaque and bacteria, which lead to interproximal cavities, from accumulating between teeth.

How Are Interproximal Cavity Treatment Prices Determined?

The treatment prices and costs of interproximal cavities in children are shaped according to the size of the cavity. In addition, the dentist's expertise and experience, the clinic's location, technological equipment, and the quality of the tools used are also effective on prices and costs. To get up-to-date and clear information about the treatment prices of interproximal cavities in children, you can contact Specialist Dentist Emin Serhat Arıkan, who serves his patients in Adana.