Who may find this relevant?
People with a reported lesion between teeth or questions about their individual decay risk.
← All explanationsProximal caries
How can decay between teeth go unnoticed?
Proximal caries is decay on the surface facing an adjacent tooth. These surfaces are often difficult to see directly. A lesion may therefore be present without pain or an obvious visible hole.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Between neighbouring teeth
A side surface lies beneath or close to the contact point. Persistent plaque and repeated acid exposure can shift the balance towards mineral loss rather than repair.
A lesion is not always a hole
Early mineral loss may occur while the surface remains intact. A deeper or cavitated lesion needs a different assessment; an image alone does not decide treatment.
Combine findings and risk
Examination may be supplemented by a clinically justified bitewing radiograph. Surface integrity, activity and personal risk help guide preventive, minimally invasive or restorative care.
At a glance
How is it assessed?
By clinical examination and, when justified, additional imaging.
What contributes to prevention?
Fluoride toothpaste, suitable interdental cleaning, attention to sugar and tailored reviews.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Between neighbouring teeth
A side surface lies beneath or close to the contact point. Persistent plaque and repeated acid exposure can shift the balance towards mineral loss rather than repair.
A lesion is not always a hole
Early mineral loss may occur while the surface remains intact. A deeper or cavitated lesion needs a different assessment; an image alone does not decide treatment.
Combine findings and risk
Examination may be supplemented by a clinically justified bitewing radiograph. Surface integrity, activity and personal risk help guide preventive, minimally invasive or restorative care.
Often confused
Proximal or secondary caries?
Proximal describes the location facing the next tooth. Secondary caries occurs beside an existing restoration. A lesion can fit both descriptions, but need not do so.
Quick answers
Does proximal decay always need drilling?
No. Early non-cavitated lesions may be managed without an operative restoration, and selected cases may suit a minimally invasive approach. A cavity or advanced damage may need a filling. The findings determine the choice.
Can floss diagnose it?
No. Snagging or fraying can have several causes, including a rough restoration. Floss is a cleaning aid, not a reliable caries test.
Do I need an X-ray at every check-up?
No. The need and interval depend on findings, risk and existing images. A radiograph is not indicated merely because this glossary term was read.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is the surface intact, how active does the lesion appear, and what does this mean for the next steps?
Has a change between your teeth been mentioned? Ask to see its location, activity and possible next steps in the context of your findings.
Discuss a caries findingAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Proximal
- Facing the adjacent tooth.
- Cavitation
- Breakdown of the surface to form a defect.
- Lesion activity
- Assessment of whether a caries lesion appears to be progressing or arrested.
Make the distinction
Proximal describes the location facing the next tooth. Secondary caries occurs beside an existing restoration. A lesion can fit both descriptions, but need not do so.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.