Patients often wonder whether they will have caries in their front teeth. Tooth decay or cavities can occur anywhere in the mouth, on any surface of the teeth. They can spread from enamel (hard outer surface of the tooth), dentin (middle of the tooth) and pulp (tooth nerve). In general, most people are more careful about brushing their front teeth because they may see plaque or food build up on them, but cavities can occur here for a variety of reasons.
Caries occur on anterior teeth for the same reasons as elsewhere in the mouth, through a combination of diet, oral hygiene, and genetic or environmental risk factors.
High-sugar diets and high-carb diets can cause more acid production by oral bacteria, leading to weaker tooth structure and more cavities. The risk of tooth decay is increased in patients who do not brush twice a day or floss once a day. Dry mouth is another reason why patients may see cavities appear in the mouth out of almost nothing. For anterior teeth, especially cavities along the gum line or around orthodontic brackets or attachments are particularly vulnerable areas to decay.
Dental Terminology
There are four main types of teeth in humans. The front teeth are called incisors. There are four incisors in the upper jaw (called the maxilla) and four in the lower (called the mandible). Next to the incisors, there is a canine tooth on each side. These are above and below. Then come the two premolars on both sides, above and below. Finally, there are three molars on each side at the very back of the upper and lower jaws.
Most cavities occur in molars and premolars. Their rough surface makes it easy for them to grind food while chewing. The bumpy, rough surface is the perfect place for food particles to stick. If these pieces of food are not cleaned with brushing and flossing, their acids can erode the teeth and cause cavities. Unfortunately, some of these spots can be difficult to reach when brushing, making them prone to bruises. The incisors are easier to clean than the posterior teeth, as they are the easiest to reach and naturally smoother. This reduces the likelihood of caries on the front teeth, but it is still possible.
How Cavities Form
A cavity is formed when acids and sugars combine with bacteria in the mouth. They build up on teeth to form a sticky substance called plaque. If plaque stays there long enough, it begins to eat away at the hard outer layer of the tooth, called enamel.
The resulting hole is called a gap. It may be shallow and only affect the tooth enamel, or it may go deeper as the tooth continues to decay. If it reaches the softer part of the tooth under the enamel called dentin, it will grow and spread faster. This is the root filled with blood vessels and nerves. At this point, the bacteria can cause a painful infection called an abscess.
When the cavities are small, the patient may not even know they have one. They can only be detected by X-ray in the dentist’s office. The older they get, the more likely they are to cause pain and discomfort. Chewing can be difficult, and hot or cold drinks can hurt. Occasionally, a cavity may appear on the tooth as a brown or gray mark. If the decay is on a front tooth, it can be easy to detect.
What Causes Cavities in Front Teeth?
For adults, cavities on the front teeth occur for the same reasons and in the same way as cavities anywhere in the mouth. It’s often caused by a combination of inadequate brushing and flossing, and a diet full of sugary, acidic foods and drinks. Certain medical conditions and heredity can also play a role in a person’s chances of having cavities.
The reason for the formation of caries in the front teeth of young children may be “bottle caries”. Most doctors ask parents not to allow their babies and toddlers to drink bottles overnight or for extended periods of time during the day. This can allow the natural sugars in milk formula or juices to remain in the mouth. The result is bacteria that can cause cavities in milk teeth. Although milk teeth eventually fall out, they are extremely important for a child’s dental development. Tooth decay at a young age can interfere with chewing and speaking.
Good dental care should begin with wiping the baby’s gums before the teeth erupt. Brushing should become routine once teeth appear. The first visit to the dentist should be within six months of then or around the baby’s first birthday.
Treating Cavities on Front Teeth
The treatment of anterior dental caries is the same as for other dental caries. Most often, this means a filling. Due to its location in the front and middle of the mouth, the dentist will usually recommend porcelain or composite resin as a filling material. Unlike gold or silver amalgam fillings, these materials can be matched to the color of the rest of the tooth. Veneers are another option and may be a good choice if the gap is large and is on the anterior-facing side of the tooth. A veneer covers the entire front of the tooth. They are slightly more invasive than fillers. To fill it, the dentist makes a hole where the cavity is. For veneer, it abrades most of the tooth along the entire front surface of the tooth, then bonds the veneer. If caries is widespread, the patient may need a veneer to cover the entire tooth. If the bruise goes deep enough, he will likely need a root canal procedure first. Like fillings, crowns come from materials that can match the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Any procedure to fix a caries in the front teeth is usually done with aesthetics in mind. One thing to remember is that dental restorations are man-made and not like real tooth enamel. Teeth become stained or discolored over time. However, fillings, crowns and veneers will remain the same, which can cause them to stand out, especially on the front teeth. Likewise, they do not change color even with professional teeth whitening products. They can match a filling or crown to what teeth will look like when they are the desired color.
Don’t Ignore a Cavity on a Front Teeth
Cavities in the front teeth are neither more nor less serious than other cavities. But ignoring it can cause more damage as the rot spreads. Wherever the cavities are, see a dentist right away to fix them.
Regular brushing and flossing and using fluoride toothpaste help prevent cavities anywhere in the mouth. After eating a snack or drinking a sugary beverage, drinking water can help rinse some of the acids and prevent tooth enamel from breaking down.
