Decay between teeth: why it's found late, symptoms, X-ray diagnosis and treatment
Decay between teeth starts on the surfaces where two teeth touch, an area that's hard to see even with a mirror, so it is often noticed late. Floss catching or shredding, food repeatedly getting stuck in the same place and sensitivity to sweet things can be the first signs. Caught early on a bitewing X-ray, it is treated with a small filling; if it progresses it can reach the nerve and need root canal treatment.
Why is decay between teeth common and found late?
A toothbrush can't reach the point where two teeth touch; plaque there is only removed by floss or interdental brushes. Decay starts just below the contact point and spreads inside the tooth while staying invisible on the outer surface for a long time. Pain often only begins when it nears the dentine and nerve.
Signs
- Floss catching, tearing or shredding in the same place
- Food constantly getting stuck between two teeth
- A brief twinge with sweet or cold things
- A dark shadow between the teeth or a chipped edge
- Bad breath from that area
How is it diagnosed?
At the examination the gaps between teeth are checked with a probe and light, but early decay between teeth is most reliably shown by small X-rays called bitewings. How often they're taken depends on your decay risk. See dental X-rays and CT scans.
Treatment depends on the stage
| Stage | Treatment |
|---|---|
| In enamel only, surface intact | Fluoride, better cleaning between teeth, monitoring |
| Reached the dentine | Filling (usually white composite) |
| Extensive loss | Large filling, inlay/onlay or crown |
| Reached the nerve | Root canal treatment followed by a restoration |
With fillings between teeth, restoring the contact with the neighbouring tooth correctly is important to stop food trapping. More: white fillings, stages of tooth decay, dental fillings in Beylikdüzü.
Preventing decay between teeth
- Use floss or interdental brushes every day.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- If your decay risk is high, agree check-up and bitewing intervals with your dentist.
For cleaning between teeth: brushing and flossing properly, electric brushes and water flossers.
Check-ups in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if I have decay between my teeth?
Floss catching or tearing, food trapping and sensitivity to sweets can be signs. A bitewing X-ray is needed for a definite, early diagnosis.
How is a filling done between teeth?
The decay is removed, a thin metal band and wedge are placed to restore the contact with the neighbouring tooth, and the white filling is built up in layers.
Can decay between teeth stop by itself?
Only early decay limited to the enamel with an intact surface can be stopped with fluoride and good cleaning. Decay that has reached the dentine needs a filling.
