If you’ve ever had a cavity, chances are it appeared on your back teeth. While it’s rare to develop a cavity in your front teeth, it can happen. Below, we’ve covered everything you need to know about front teeth cavities, including how to treat and prevent them.
What causes front teeth cavities?
When sugars, acids and bacteria combine in the mouth, they form plaque. Over time, plaque left on the teeth will eat away at the enamel, eventually forming a cavity. The back teeth have grooves and pits that can trap plaque, which is why they’re more prone to cavities. It’s also more difficult to reach all the parts of your back teeth with a toothbrush.
While larger cavities can cause pain, it may be hard to notice a small cavity. As a cavity continues to eat away at a tooth’s enamel, it may eventually reach the pulp chamber, which is home to all the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth. Swelling and infection may occur after bacteria enter the pulp chamber.
Treating front teeth cavities
The treatment options for cavities are the same no matter where they’re located. The most common treatment for cavities is fillings. Also called restorations, a filling involves removal of the decay/bacteria from the tooth, and then filling the cavity with either porcelain, dental amalgam or composite resins.
By scheduling an appointment with the dentists at Fioritto Family Dental at the first sign of a cavity, they may recommend a fluoride treatment. This can help restore your tooth’s enamel. For large cavities, your dentist may recommend placing a crown on the infected tooth to ensure no further damage occurs. Patients sometimes wait until they feel pain or swelling which may require more extensive dental procedures such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
Preventing cavities in your front teeth
The most effective way to prevent cavities is with good oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste and making sure to reach all of your back teeth. Secondly, be sure to floss daily and reduce unhealthy foods and drink consumption such as sticky candies and sugary sodas. Additional ways to prevent cavities are: stop smoking, rinse your mouth with fluoride-enhanced mouthwash, drink fluoridated water, and eating healthy foods.
Don’t forget to visit your Fioritto dentist on a regular basis. During these check-ups, your dentist will check for any signs of a cavity. A cavity is much easier to treat when caught early. Your dentist can also offer the best advice on preventing future cavities and other dental issues. If you’re at a high risk for cavities, your dentist may also recommend dental sealants.
When to see the dentist
Common cavity symptoms to watch out for include tooth sensitivity, toothaches and sharp pain when eating. If you’re showing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Fioritto Dental as soon as possible. As mentioned above, a cavity will only get worse over time and it’s always best to focus on prevention and immediate treatment.
Don’t let a cavity get out of control. Make your appointment with Fioritto Family Dental today.