If you’re looking for information about cavities on front teeth, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss what cavities are, the reasons behind cavities in front teeth, the causes of cavities in children, their treatment, and the role of a dentist in addressing cavities. We aim to provide you with detailed information to help clarify your doubts and questions about cavities.

We have been told to brush and floss our teeth regularly since childhood. This is to avoid cavities. We know that a lot of children and adults have cavities. Most commonly, cavities occur on the molars or the back teeth. However, you can also get a cavity between front teeth. 

Cavities occur commonly because foods and acids get easily stuck between the grooves of the back teeth. Almost 35% of the surface of your teeth can’t be reached by brushing alone. This is why, improper cleaning is the commonest cause of cavities. 

Can You Get A Cavity on Your Front tooth?

Getting a cavity in the front teeth is not very common, but is certainly possible. For adults, cavities in the front teeth can occur for the same reason that they occur in the back teeth. Ignoring your oral hygiene can cause a cavity anywhere. You can even get a cavity on your front bottom tooth. 

Let us find out everything about cavities including cavities on front teeth

‍What Are Cavities? 

When there is decay on the hard part or surface of a tooth, cavities occur. When uncleaned dental plaque accumulates on the hard surface of a tooth, it turns into hard tartar. This causes acids to build up on the tooth’s surface and eat through the tooth’s enamel. This damages the tooth surface and creates holes in the tooth. These holes go down to the dentin and start causing an array of problems. 

Cavities can be extremely painful and can not be left untreated. Untreated cavities can lead to complete decay and infections. Even though cavities are more common to occur on the molars, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a cavity between front teeth. 

Let us find out why you may get a cavity on your front teeth

Reasons For Cavities on Front Teeth 

• ‍Insufficient brushing of teeth 

Poor dental hygiene is one of the most common causes of dental decay and cavities. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. Rinse your mouth after every meal. Inadequate brushing of teeth is also a major cause. It is recommended to use a soft toothbrush for brushing the teeth gently for two minutes. Using fluoridated toothpaste fortifies your teeth and helps in preventing cavities. Brush the teeth gently in circular motions. Make sure that you brush the back teeth as well. 

• Lack of flossing in oral care routine 

Brushing is taught to us from a young age. However, very few people floss their teeth. It is recommended to floss your teeth at least once every day. Flossing is great because it actually cleans the parts of the teeth that the brush cannot reach. It removes stuff that gets stuck between your teeth. If you floss your teeth regularly, the chances of getting cavities between your teeth reduce drastically. 

• Excessive intake of sugary and acidic drinks or food

The world is hooked on sweet things. Who doesn’t love a glass of soda every now and then? 

People don’t even take into account the amount of coffee they drink. You should know that these things are highly acidic and may help the bacteria by accelerating the process of enamel erosion. 

Food products like cola, sugar, honey, sticky candy, chips, and other similar things have a tendency to stick to your teeth. You may consume these products in moderation but always ensure to rinse your teeth immediately after consumption. Brush your teeth when you can after consuming sugary products so that the acids don’t settle on the enamel. 

• Not going to routine dental checkups 

You need to ensure that you get your dental checkup twice a year. Getting your teeth cleaned bi-yearly is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. Your dentist will catch any early signs of cavities. Routine dental checkups and cleaning can help you prevent cavities. 

Even though they are less likely to occur, you can get cavities on the back of your front teeth. 

Causes Of Cavities in Front Teeth in Children 

Baby bottle tooth decay is one of the most common causes of getting a cavity between front teeth. Most doctors will advise against letting your infant have a bottle overnight. It is advised to not give them the bottle for a long period during the day. Parents should take note of this. 

Baby formula, milk, or fruit juice may contain natural sugars that may linger inside the baby’s mouth. Front tooth cavities in children are known to affect the ability to chew or talk properly. 

If you are taking care of an infant, you can start oral hygiene even before they get their first tooth. You can gently wipe the baby’s gums after feeding. Once the teeth appear, you can start gentle brushing. The first trip to the dentist should be within 6 months from when the first teeth appear. You can also schedule their first appointment on their first birthday. 

If you find a cavity on the back of your front tooth, don’t panic. Cavities on the front teeth and back teeth are treatable. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Cavities? 

• Feeling more sensitive to hot and cold foods/drinks 
• Toothaches 
• Lasting sensitivity after eating sweets 
• The feeling of a hole in a tooth 
• Spots or stains on your front teeth 
• Bad breath 
• Pus 

How To Treat Cavity on Front Tooth

The treatment for front teeth cavities is no different than the cavity treatment for back teeth. The standard solution is to get a dental filling. Back teeth fillings are done as a common procedure. Front teeth cavities are treated with fillings and just need some extra creativity on the dentist’s part. 

Since the front teeth build most of your smile, your dentist will mostly go for porcelain or composite resin. This type of filling will be more discreet and will blend along with the natural appearance of your front teeth. You may need to replace your front tooth fillings sooner than the others because this material is not as durable as your regular amalgam fillings. 

How Does A Dentist Work On Your Cavity?

A dentist will first examine all your teeth and check for cavities. Once they are identified, the infected part of the tooth will be drilled. The drilled material will be removed and the affected area will be cleaned. Once a hole is made in the cavity area, your dentist will fill the hole with the filling material. 

Once that is done, the dentist will bond the material with the tooth using their binding device. 

Proper bonding ensures the filling material stays intact and doesn’t fall off from eating, talking, or similar activities. 

Do Dental Fillings Hurt?

Dental fillings are not known to hurt and there is no recovery period in most cases. However, you may feel sensitivity and general discomfort around the treated area for a while. 

Earing and drinking are not generally prohibited after you leave the dentist’s office. 

‍You Can Prevent Cavities – Here Is How 

You will be glad to know that preventing cavities is not a difficult task at all. You just need to follow your daily oral hygiene routine. One of the most important elements to add to your oral hygiene is fluoride. It is a naturally occurring mineral that aids your oral health.  

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and floss your teeth daily. Daily flossing also prevents cavities between two teeth. 

You can start improving your oral health by being more aware of what you eat and drink. Avoiding highly acidic foods and drinks can help your teeth in the long run. You may want to include milk, and other calcium-rich foods in your diet. This will improve the strength of your bones and teeth. You should also know that the phosphorus contained in lean meats, nuts, and eggs is great for your oral health. 

‍Conclusion 

Having cavities can be a very unpleasant and painful experience. Cavities on the back teeth don’t show but still cause pain. Cavities in the front teeth cause pain and also ruin the look of your teeth. 

The only good thing about this is that cavities are treatable when caught at an early stage. 

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If you have noticed a small cavity in your front teeth or your back teeth, you should immediately find a qualified dentist. Getting regular dental checkups is the best thing that you can do for your teeth. Your dentist will constantly check your teeth for cavities and treat them in the early stages before they can cause any real damage. 

If you are worried about the cavities in your teeth, you should contact us at Morgan Hill Dentistry. Our team of dental experts will be happy to answer your questions.