Acknowledge The Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Front Teeth Cavity

Front teeth are essential for a beautiful smile and confidence. Cavities on front teeth may sound odd and not sure, but they exist. They are just like normal cavities, which anyone can get on back teeth. Treatment for both problems is also the same.

However, while treating a front teeth cavity, dentists at a dental clinic take extra care and steps and make sure to make them look beautiful and even to other teeth. In this article, let us explore the details of front teeth cavities.

How Cavities Form?

A cavity forms when carbohydrates and acids in the mouth interact with bacteria. They accumulate on teeth, forming a sticky material known as plaque. If the plaque remains on the tooth for an extended period, it will start to degrade the enamel, the hard coating of the tooth. A cavity is formed as a result of this process. 

The cavity might be shallow and simply affect the enamel, or it can continue to destroy the tooth and go deeper. It will grow and spread much faster if it reaches the dentin, the softer area of the tooth beneath the enamel. It may eventually reach the pulp chamber. This is the root, which is densely packed with veins and nerves. At this time, the germs may produce a painful infection called an abscess.

A person may not even be aware they have a cavity if it is small. They can be only detected in the dentist’s hospital with an x-ray. The chances of them inflicting pain and discomfort increase as they get bigger. As a result, cold or hot beverages could hurt and be challenging to chew. A cavity can also be seen as a dark or grey mark on the tooth. If it’s a front teeth cavity, it can be simple to see.

Most cavities occur on the back side of the teeth-molars and premolars. It’s easy to chew with these teeth as their bumpy surface makes food grind up fast. However, when food gets stuck to these surfaces and can’t be removed with a toothbrush, the acid in that food will eat away the tooth, causing a cavity. These areas are vulnerable to cavities because some can be challenging to brush, making them difficult to reach.

Front teeth, which are medically called incisors, are less likely to get cavities. However, there are chances of them getting cavities.

What Causes Front Teeth Cavities?

Cavities on front teeth can be seen both in children and adults. Let us look at the causes of front teeth cavities.

Causes of front teeth cavities in children

Baby bottle tooth decay can cause cavities in children’s front teeth. “Baby bottle tooth decay” refers to the type of decay that occurs when baby teeth come into repeated and continuous contact with too much sugar. Most pediatricians would advise you not to give your infant a bottle or pacifier at night. You should additionally not give them it for extended periods of time during the day.

Baby bottle tooth decay can result in the lingering of natural sugars from the milk, fruit juices, or formula in the baby’s mouth. These lingering sugars allow bacteria to accumulate in your baby’s mouth and cause cavities. Front tooth decay in children may make it difficult for them to converse or chew comfortably.

Causes of front teeth cavities in adults

Front teeth cavities in adults can be caused by several facts. However, it’s primarily because of the intake of too many sugary foods and failed to brush thoroughly. The leading causes can be described below.

• Consuming sweet foods or beverages
• Not brushing your teeth
• Having bad dental health and acid reflux
• Limiting fluoride consumption
• Destroying enamel (through coffee, poor oral hygiene, and so on)

Front teeth cavities in adults can sometimes be hereditary or because of some health conditions.

Signs And Symptoms Of Front Teeth Cavities

Cavities on front teeth have the following signs and symptoms.

• Sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks: When you have severe cavities, you may not be able to have cold or hot beverages and foods as you enjoyed earlier. You would get pain as if someone is stabbing inside your tooth! 
• Toothaches: Toothaches are an important sign of cavities. If you get frequent toothaches, even without having anything or just talking, don’t neglect them. It can be because of a cavity.
• Sensitivity with sweet foods: A touch of sugary foods/sweet foods can cause severe sensitivity to your tooth. Go to a dental clinic when you experience this.
• Teeth with a pit or hole or dark spots: Even though some cavities may not be visible to our eyes when you find a pit or hole or dark spots on the teeth, it can be a cavity.
• Pus from the teeth: This is the major symptom of the front teeth cavity. If you find pus coming from the teeth, contact a dentist immediately.
• Halitosis (bad breath): The bacteria on the teeth cause very bad breath. However, having bad breath doesn’t necessarily imply a cavity.

Treatment For Front Teeth cavities

Front teeth cavity treatment is done just like back teeth cavity treatment. There are three widely used treatments.

1. Fillings

Filling is the common treatment to treat a cavity. Typically, the dentist would suggest porcelain or composite resin as the material for the filling due to its prominent location, i.e., front in the mouth. These substances can be produced to blend in with the rest of the tooth’s color, unlike gold or silver amalgam fillings.

2. Veneers

Another option is veneers, which may be a wise decision if the cavity is sizable and on the tooth’s front side. A veneer completely conceals the front of the tooth. They are less noticeable than fillings. A filling is placed by the dentist by drilling a hole directly into the cavity. For a veneer, the dentist removes a significant amount of enamel from the entire front area of the tooth before cementing the veneer.

3. Crowns

Another front teeth cavity treatment is putting crowns on the teeth. The patient might require a crown to completely cover the tooth if the decay is severe and widespread. This is an implanting tooth that covers the entire damaged tooth and lasts long. If the cavity is deep enough, they will almost certainly require a root canal operation initially. Like fillings, crowns can be made of materials that complement the teeth.

Fillings, crowns, and veneers will remain unchanged even with dental whitening treatments. They will not alter their color and remain the same for many years. However, talking with the dentist about future teeth-whitening plans is suggestable. They can match the filling or crown to the color of the teeth once they are the desired color.

Precautions to Prevent Front Teeth Cavities

• Maintain good oral hygiene at home. 
• Brushing your teeth twice a day should be part of your everyday schedule. 
• Use fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. 
• Reduce having sugary drinks and foods and increase your intake of nutrient-rich foods.
• Whenever you have sugary food, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible.