Your Front Teeth & Cavities: Can You Get Them?
Cavities are dental issues that are common among a wide variety of people. An issue you may be wondering about is if these cavities can occur on your front teeth. Taking proper care of your teeth is crucial since cavities can appear in any part of the mouth or on any surface of the teeth. Let's take a look at what causes cavities and how they can be avoided.
Cavities
You've most likely had a cavity at least once in your life but do you know how they occur? Dental cavities or caries spread through the enamel which is the hard outer surface of the tooth. Once the cavity passes the enamel it then moves to the middle of the tooth known as the dentin. Finally, it will make its way down into the pulp or nerve of the tooth. There are many different factors and lifestyle choices that cause cavities including those on your front teeth.
Diet & Front Teeth
Lifestyle choices that can lead to cavities on your front teeth include poor decisions when it comes to your diet. Diets that consist of high levels of sugar and carbohydrates can create more acid production by oral bacteria. This extra acid can also lead to a weakened tooth structure, tooth decay, and eventually more cavities. Besides poor diet, other factors such as poor oral hygiene, genetics, and environmental risks can also lead to cavities on the front teeth.
Dry Mouth
Another elevated risk of cavities on the front teeth is dry mouth. Patients who have visited the dentist for dry mouth usually see many cavities occurring out of nowhere anywhere in the mouth. If you have a dry mouth or cavities along the gum line and front teeth these areas will also be at a higher risk for tooth decay. Orthodontic brackets and attachments are also considered vulnerable areas.
Prevention
Cavities anywhere in the mouth especially on the front teeth can be prevented by following a few simple steps. The most crucial step is regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. If you've been snacking on a sugary snack or drinking a beverage filled with sugar, taking sips of water in between can help rinse away the acid. Rinsing away the extra acid will help prevent enamel breakdown. Another beneficial step is to use a fluoride mouth rinse that can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by your dentist.
If you're looking to treat or prevent cavities on your front teeth, regular visits to your dentist will be your solution. Dr. Lattinelli offers support that will get you on the path to better oral hygiene. Visit JCL Dental located at 121 East 60th St., 10th Floor New York, NY 10022, or call today to schedule an appointment! 212-752-7188