The second route of acid attack is from a smooth surface, which is between, or on the front or back of teeth. In a smooth surface cavity, the acid must travel through the entire thickness of the enamel. The area of attack is generally wide, and comes to point or converges as it enters the deeper layers of the tooth.
A tooth has many surfaces and some people describe the decay by where it is on the tooth. The cavities the dentist can see by a clinical exam are on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and on the gumline area. There are some tooth decay cavities that are formed between the teeth due to lack of flossing. For these cavities, the dentist must take an x-ray to find them. You cannot see them by looking or feeling with the "pick". Another type of tooth decay is something that happens to an injured tooth called "internal resorption”. The dentist also needs to take an x-ray to find this, unless the decay eats it way out of the tooth and shows at the gumline.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.