June is Oral Health Month, which is a great time to highlight an important dental care fact: Yes, you can get cavities between your front teeth. You can get cavities in, on, or around any teeth. No tooth enamel is immune to decay, but with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, you can maintain a healthy, strong smile.
The Unlikelihood of Front Tooth Decay
Some people are shocked to discover that it’s possible to get cavities in their front teeth. They may not learn this fact until they develop a cavity in a front tooth. While molars are the usual suspects when it comes to tooth decay, all tooth enamel is susceptible. Front teeth don’t develop decay often for several reasons:
- They are usually brushed more thoroughly than the rest of a person’s teeth.
- Even reluctant flossers are more likely to get food out from between front teeth because it is unsightly and uncomfortable.
- Front teeth and incisors are smoother than rough and grooved molars and bacteria and plaque do not linger as readily.
Repairing Front Tooth Cavities
It’s anxiety-inducing to realize you have a cavity on your most visible teeth. In most cases, tooth-colored composite fillings will be used to correct the problem once the decay is removed. The cosmetic aspect of a front tooth cavity, however, is far more critical than a cavity in a back molar. After all, these teeth are noticeable and the centerpiece of your smile.
If a front tooth filling is very large and it has compromised the structure and strength of the tooth, a more advanced cosmetic dentistry treatment may be needed to fix the problem. In cases like this, a porcelain crown can be customized to cap the tooth or a porcelain veneer is personalized to conceal the damage. In both cases, the restoration is carefully made in shape, size, color, and length so it looks just like your natural tooth.
Prevention of Front Tooth Decay
There is nothing special about cavities in the front teeth. They form the same as any other cavity in any other tooth and are typically caused by inadequate brushing and flossing and a diet of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Some medications, medical conditions, and heredity can contribute to the likelihood of developing this problem, as well as chronic teeth grinding. It’s not just kids who have decay in their front teeth. Adults fall prey to this problem too.
The best thing to do to prevent cavities from showing up on your most visible teeth is to:
- Make sure you see your Red Bank dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up.
- Limit foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay.
- Develop and stick to a good oral hygiene routine at home, morning and night.
When you see your dentist regularly, any troublesome teeth will be recognized immediately and tended to appropriately so you avoid major dental complications or the need for advanced dental care. If you need a teeth cleaning or suspect tooth decay, schedule an appointment.
