Cavities On Front Teeth: Why Do We Get It And What To Do?

Developing cavities in any part of your teeth can be pretty distressing, especially if it affects your front teeth.

If you have cavities in your front tooth, you might wonder how you got to have them and what steps you can take to treat them.

Cavities in the front teeth are unpleasant to look at, but beyond that, they can cause more severe issues if not treated on time.

Luckily, this article discusses cavities in front teeth, how they can occur, preventive measures, and what to do if you have them. Let’s get started already, shall we?

Why Do You Get Cavities in Your Front Teeth?

Cavities are damaged parts of the teeth which then form holes in the teeth. They are also known as tooth decay or carriers.

Dental cavities or caries can develop in any part of the mouth and on any surface of the teeth. These cavities can spread through the tooth enamel to the dentin and right to the pulp.

It’s more common for the rear teeth to be more at risk of dental decay, though, as they are larger and harder to reach with a toothbrush.

Besides, they feature grooves that can trap food particles. But then, no tooth is exempted from dental crises; hence, even though the front tooth is easier to clean, it can still develop cavities.

Many people who diligently brush their front teeth (since they see trapped food and plaque on them) can still have cavities, which occur for several reasons.

For starters, they could result from poor dental hygiene, such as not paying regular visits to the dentist.

It could also occur through a combination of diet and environmental or genetic risk factors, which are all the same reasons cavities develop in other parts of the mouth.

Furthermore, diets high in sugar and carbohydrates, including beverages, foods, and sweets, can cause oral bacteria to produce more acid, leading to a weak tooth structure and cavities.

Besides, a dry mouth can cause cavities in the front teeth and other mouth parts. Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause tooth decay, too. 

How To Treat Cavities In The Front Teeth

It’s important to treat cavities as soon as possible, no matter where they develop. This is because these cavities can cause harmful bacteria to penetrate the sensitive areas of the teeth. 

The tooth is filled with blood vessels and nerve endings. Therefore, delaying the treatment of cavities will give the bacteria enough time and room to reach the delicate parts of the teeth.

And when this occurs, it can lead to toothache, severe pain, infection, and even tooth abscess.

In more serious cases, tooth cavities can cause sepsis, which is a dental emergency.

Dentists have the book knowledge and experience needed to treat cavities.

Hence, you should book an appointment with one once you notice cavities in your front tooth.

The dentist will examine the teeth to determine the level of damage caused by the cavity.

After the examination, the dentist will present all the possible options to restore your smile.

Depending on the tooth affected, such options can include root canals, fillings, tooth extraction, fluoride treatment, crowns, or veneers.

If tooth decay is just starting; a fluoride treatment can be used to rectify the problem. Fluoride treatment may be varnish, liquid, gel, or foam brushed into the teeth. 

In extreme cases, tooth extraction is done when the decay is so bad that it can’t be restored.

Fillings, also called restorations, are ideal for advanced cavities and are made of several materials, including resins, porcelain, or a combination of both.

At the same time, root canals are suitable when the decay has reached the inner part of the tooth (pulp).

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped shell that covers the front of a tooth and prevents further damage.

Veneers, on the other hand, are custom-made thin layer caps that cover the front of the tooth, removing bacteria and preventing damage.

Once the veneer or crown has been bonded to the affected part of the tooth, the delicate inner layers are then sealed off.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

The signs and symptoms of cavities differ depending on the location of the cavity and the extent. Although you might not feel any sign at the initial stage, they begin to show as the decay grows. These symptoms may include:

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• Tooth Sensitivity
• Holes in the teeth
• Pain on eating
• Toothache
• Mild to severe pain when drinking something cold, hot, or sweet

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How to Prevent Cavities on the Front Teeth

Good dental and oral hygiene can prevent cavities and tooth decay. Some of the good hygiene practices to adopt include:

• Brush with fluoride Toothpaste: Brushing your teeth twice a day and especially after meals using fluoride-based toothpaste will keep the spaces between the teeth clean and free of food particles, thus preventing cavities. Also, floss the teeth with an interdental cleaner.
• Proper rinsing: Using a mouth rinse, especially those containing fluoride, will help prevent the development of cavities.
• Regular visits to the dentist: Pay regular visits to the dentist to check your teeth and get a professional cleaning done. Visiting the dentist when due will help in the early detection and treatment of cavities.
• Drink tap water: Most public tap waters contain fluoride, which can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. This fluoride is lacking in most bottled water and should not be solely depended on.
• Consume healthy meals: Some food and beverages are more suitable for your teeth than others. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables as this increases saliva flow, which prevents the mouth from drying up. Also, take beverages like sugar-free gum, tea, and unsweetened coffee as they help to flush food particles.

 In addition, stay away from food that sticks in the grooves and pit of your mouth or at least brush your teeth after consuming such meals.

• Antibacterial Treatments: If your cavities result from a medical condition, the dentist may recommend using an antibacterial mouth rinse to help lower the number of bacteria in the mouth.
• Avoid sipping and snacking: Eating and drinking beverages other than water will help the bacteria in the mouth create more acids that can disintegrate your tooth enamel. Hence, reduce the rate you drink sweetened beverages and snacks.
• Go for dental sealants: A dental sealant is a protective coating on the back of the teeth or chewing surface. İt closes all crannies and grooves that trap food, thereby protecting the teeth from plaques and acid buildup. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using sealants even for children. They are durable but need constant replacement.

Final Thought

Cavities are a nightmare; they come with discomfort and pain and distort one’s smile and lower confidence, especially if they occur in the front tooth. Fortunately, this article has laid down all the causes and triggers, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment options. Now, you never have to lose your beautiful smile to tooth cavities.