Can a cavity between front teeth be fixed? Luckily, this kind of issue can be treated with many different treatment options. Like any other cavities in your mouth, treating them as soon as possible is essential to prevent further complications. Keep reading to learn more about cavities in front teeth, how to treat them, and some preventive tips for a healthy smile.
What is a Tooth Cavity?
A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is a hole that can develop in any part of the teeth. Cavities start to form when acids in the mouth erode or wear down tooth enamel, the tooth’s hard outer layer. In fact, everyone can get a cavity. That is why proper dental cleanings such as brushing and flossing are essential to prevent tooth cavities.
Who May Get a Tooth Decay?
A cavity can occur at whatever stage in life. However, this issue is more common in children since most of them do not know how to brush correctly, and they are fond of eating more sugary foods and drinks.
In addition, adults can likewise get cavities. At times, new decay forms around the edges of holes treated in childhood. In fact, grown-up people are more prone to have receding gums. This condition exposes the lower portions of teeth to cavity-causing plaque.
Types of Cavities
Cavities can influence all surfaces of a tooth. It can require three years for a hole to develop in the solid external layer of tooth enamel. In any case, the different types of tooth decay include:
Smooth Surface
This slow-developing cavity breaks down tooth enamel. Luckily, regular brushing and flossing can prevent or reverse this condition. Furthermore, individuals in their 20s usually foster this type of front tooth cavities between their teeth.
Pit and Fissure Decay
Generally, pit and fissure decay tend to develop during the teenage years and advance rapidly. These cavities form over the tooth’s biting surface. In fact, they also can influence the front layer of back teeth.
Root Decay
This type of decay is difficult to treat and prevent. It usually occurs because of gum recession. Gum recession uncovers the root of the tooth to plaque and acid. As a matter of fact, this condition is prevalent among older adults.
Causes a Front Tooth Cavity
Precisely the same things that cause holes in your back teeth can prompt decay in your front teeth:
- Lack of fluoride
- Forgetting to brush your teeth
- Acid reflux
- Sugary foods and drinks, particularly acidic soda
- Skipping your flossing routine
- Food that gets caught in your teeth
Tooth decay in children, known as early childhood caries (ECC), is a worldwide disease more common in young kids than any other condition. If untreated, children’s cavities can prompt further dental issues and even health complications.
In addition, here are the more significant risk factors of getting cavities in babies and children’s front teeth:
- Sleeping with bottles in their mouths filled with milk, sugar-sweetened drinks, and juice
- Drinking milk, sugary drinks, and juice in a bottle all through the day.
- Sharing saliva typically occurs when parents share cups and utensils with their children or clean pacifiers by placing them in their mouths.
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
Most of the time, tooth decay on the enamel does not result in pain or symptoms. Usually, symptoms occur when decay progresses into the dentin and root. In any case, indications that you have cavities include:
- Mouth pain or toothache
- Bad taste or bad breath in the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Redness around or inside the mouth.
Identify and Treat a Front Tooth Cavity
Suppose you see a cavity on a front tooth. In that case, it is better to visit your dentist immediately to prevent worsening your condition. Your dentist will eliminate a decayed portion of the tooth and protect it with a strong, restorative filling material. These dental fillings are produced using plastic resins and exquisitely ground glass-like components for a natural appearance. Generally, the treatment only requires one appointment.
In addition, to address cosmetic concerns arising from front teeth cavities, your dentist may suggest treating them with one of these methods:
- Dental crown. A tooth-formed, natural tooth-coloured cap covering the tooth structure
- Dental veneer. A thin piece of porcelain coordinating your natural tooth colour that your dentist usually attaches to the front surface of the tooth
These cosmetic treatment options may require two or more dental visits. Luckily, your dentist can assist you with determining the ideal treatment plan for you or your child’s condition.
Prevention
The excellent news is that you can fundamentally diminish your and your kid’s danger of cavities for some simple steps:
- Floss, otherwise called interdental cleaning, at least once a day
- Brush your teeth two times a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet, minimising foods and drinks with added sugars.
- Make regular dental appointments for checkups and cleanings.
Having a dental health care routine can keep a healthy smile throughout your life. So make sure to stay away from sugary and acidic foods and beverages and brush and floss your teeth daily. Lastly, see your dentist regularly to maintain a healthy, strong mouth.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene are crucial to preventing cavities and other oral health issues. So if you are looking for a trusted dental provider, you can contact us at 805-555-8653 today! Our professional dental specialists can provide newer dental treatments such as fluoride rinses and dental sealants to lower cavity risk in children and teens. As a matter of fact, the dental health team in Trancy Medical Group are trained professionals who can keep your smile healthy and vibrant.
References:
Statement on Early Childhood Caries.
Hygiene-related Diseases.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/dental_caries.html
What Is Tooth Enamel?
https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/what-is-tooth-enamel-0113
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