Cavities are the worst, especially if they are on the front teeth as they not only affect your dental health but also your beautiful smile. If you have a cavity on front tooth, you might even have confidence issues.
So, how can you get rid of them? We have listed all the causes behind a cavity on front tooth and its treatment, so keep on reading.
What are Cavities?
“92% of adults 20 to 64 have had dental caries in their permanent teeth.” –National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Cavities, also known as dental decay, are caused by the deterioration of the tooth enamel, which is the hard, outer coating of your teeth. A cavity is a little hole in the tooth.
Then, plaque, a sticky coating of germs, build on your teeth all the time. So, when you consume sugary foods or beverages, the bacteria in plaque release acids that destroy tooth enamel.
The stickiness of the plaque maintains these acids in touch with your teeth, causing the enamel to deteriorate over time. Cavities can emerge at this point, which is a little hole in the tooth.
A dental health survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that:
“More than 9 out of 10 people had dental caries, and 1 out of every 6 had untreated tooth decay.”
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities on Front Tooth:
The degree of decay determines the symptoms of a cavity. They are as follows:
- sensitivity of the teeth
- tooth discomfort
- a noticeable hole in your teeth
- white spots
- darkening of the teeth, black or white
The American Dental Association advises having dental examinations after every six months since you may be unaware you have a cavity.
If you find a cavity on a front tooth, make an appointment with a dentist straight away. You don’t want the deterioration to worsen.
What are the Causes of Cavities on the Front Tooth?
Cavities are mainly caused by plaque which is a combination of bacteria, your saliva, acids in the mouth, and food particles. Anything that contributes to plaque can result in a cavity. For example:
- Sugary meals and beverages, particularly acidic soda
- Not brushing your teeth twice every day
- Putting off your flossing routine
- Acid Reflux
- Fluoride deficiency
- Food that becomes stuck in your teeth
Read about the Treatment of Cavities in Baby Teeth
How Can you Cover a Cavity on Front Tooth?
Here are five ways to get rid of cavities on your front teeth. Your dentist may go for one of the following methods depending on the severity of your cavity.
1. Fluoride Treatment
If your cavity is still in its early stages, a fluoride treatment may help rebuild your tooth’s enamel and can occasionally reverse a cavity.
Your dentist will apply the Fluoride treatment to your teeth in the form of a liquid, gel, foam, or varnish, or it can be placed in a little tray that fits over your teeth.
2. Tooth Fillings
When your tooth decay has advanced beyond the initial stage, fillings, also known as restorations, are the primary treatment option.
Tooth Fillings can be formed of a variety of materials, including tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain, or dental amalgam, which is a composite of many components.
3. Tooth Crowns
They are custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s whole natural crown. A crown may be required if you have considerable decay or weaker teeth.
While applying a tooth crown the dentist removes all of the decaying region as well as enough of the remaining tooth to guarantee a proper fit. Crowns can also be of various materials like gold, porcelain, resin, porcelain bonded to metal, etc.
4. Tooth Extraction
Some teeth get so badly damaged that they can no longer be repaired and must be extracted. A tooth extraction might leave a gap that permits your other teeth to move.
You might want to consider obtaining a bridge or a dental implant to replace the lost tooth if at all possible.
Also, see 7 Super Effective Natural Cavity Fighters
Home Remedies for Cavities on Front Teeth:
You use these remedies to get rid of cavities that are in their early stages:
5. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is essential for cavity prevention and enamel remineralization. Extensive research has shown that brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste on a daily basis helps to prevent cavities.
Just buy fluoride-based toothpaste and use it to brush your teeth at least twice daily.
6. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling lowers the quantity of cavity-causing germs. Coconut oil is the most effective oil for oil pulling, although sesame oil is also quite effective.
One method that oil-pulling may help is by reducing acidity in the mouth. Because these oils are alkaline, they help neutralize the effects of acid in the mouth.
To try oil pulling for a cavity on the front tooth:
- Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth, pulling it into and around gaps in your teeth.
- Continue until the oil becomes thin and milky white.
- Spit the oil into the garbage or sink.
- Continue with your normal brushing and flossing routine.
The Bottom Line
Having a cavity on front tooth is quite common and the most common culprits for this problem are sugary or acidic foods. You can prevent and even get rid of cavities by forming a good dental routine and avoiding junk foods.
However, for more severe cavities you might need to get filling, crowns, and even tooth extractions. If you have noticed a cavity in your teeth it is highly recommended to see a dentist.
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FAQs
How do you get rid of a cavity in your front tooth?
You can get rid of a cavity in your front tooth by trying home remedies like fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash and oil pulling. Or if your cavity is more severe your doctor might recommend you to get a filling or tooth crown.
What does a cavity on the front teeth look like?
A cavity on front tooth might look like a white spot at first and then turns brown or black until there is a visible hole in the tooth. You might also feel extra sensitivity while eating hot or cold food if you have a cavity.
How long do fillings last on front teeth?
A filling will may last between 7 to 20 years, depending on the placement, size, and your dental hygiene. You should ask your dentist for durable filling so it doesn’t have to be changed often.