What Is Causing My Front Teeth Cavities?
More than 90% of people have had at least one cavity in their lifetime, including front teeth cavities. The main signs of front teeth cavities are increased sensitivity to temperatures, pain, and discolorations. Although less common than cavities in the back teeth, front teeth cavities can be caused by several factors.
Understanding the cause of your front teeth cavities can help prevent them in the future. In this article, we will go over the top reasons why you are getting front teeth cavities and what you can expect from restoring these teeth at your dentist.
Table of Contents
Can You Get Cavities In Your Front Teeth?
Front teeth cavities can happen the same way back teeth cavities happen. A cavity is caused when the bacteria in the mouth aren’t controlled by proper brushing and flossing. Bacteria feed off of what we eat and drink and produce acid on the teeth that lead to a cavity.
Can you get cavities in your front teeth? The causes of your front teeth cavities may be caused by several lifestyle factors that are leading to poor oral health.
What Causes Front Teeth Cavities?
Choosing the Wrong Foods
Bacteria in the mouth break down what we eat and drink and produce acid on the teeth. The bacteria and acid weakens the tooth’s enamel and causes a cavity.
The diet that leads to a higher risk for front teeth cavities are:
- Sugary drinks like soda, juices, energy drinks, and sports drinks
- Coffee is very acidic and often has added sugar and cream that both are involved in cavity progression
- Alcohol is very acidic and drys out the mouth
- Concentrated fruit juices like lemon, orange, and pineapple combine sugar and acid that cause front teeth cavities
Drinking these beverages faster and through a straw can help decrease your front teeth cavities risk. Follow up with water to help rinse the teeth and neutralize bacteria and the pH of your mouth. Our Dental Nutrition Guide has additional information.
Acid Reflux
The stomach naturally produces acid to help break down our food and support digestion. When acid works its way up to the mouth, erosion to the teeth happens to weaken enamel and cause front teeth cavities. To reduce the risk of acid reflux:
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux
- Drink water throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva production that neutralizes acidic pH and bacteria
- Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol to reduce episodes of acid reflux
Clenching and Grinding
The habit of grinding either throughout the day or while sleeping can cause premature wear of the enamel. The friction of the teeth rubbing together slowly rubs away layers of the enamel and exposes the inside layer of the tooth.
The powerful muscles involved in clenching can cause micro fractures in the enamel. These fractures over time will expose the inside dentin layer of the tooth. Clenching and Grinding cause front teeth cavities by compromising the enamel. Bacteria and their acid can cause fast front teeth cavities easily with weakened enamel.
- Implement stress-reducing techniques.
- Avoid stimulant substances and factors before bed.
- Check out our The Consequences of Teeth Grinding in Sleep.
- Talk to your dentist about a professionally made night guard. Avoid store-bought night guards. This soft plastic will end up triggering the brain to chew, clench, and grind more overworking the jaw, joints, and muscles.
- Check out our Guide to Using a Night Guard article.
Poor Oral Hygiene
A large reason why you are getting front teeth cavities may be due to your oral hygiene. It is important to mechanically remove the food, plaque, bacteria, and acid from the teeth every day.
- Brushing: Brush two times a day for two minutes to efficiently remove any external agents that cause front teeth cavities. It is important to brush all the way up to the gum line.
- Flossing: Brushing the teeth only cleans two-thirds of the tooth surface. Flossing takes care of in between the teeth that make up the last one-third.
- Dental Products: Use the best dental products to support your smile. A remineralizing toothpaste is important to keep enamel strong. Dental tools like floss picks, proxy brushes, and water flossers can help improve your oral hygiene routine.
Our Healthy Smile Guide can help you create the perfect oral hygiene routine for you.
Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing increases your risk of front teeth cavities and gum disease. Saliva plays an important role in neutralizing the bacteria that cause cavities. Saliva also helps neutralize acidic factors like beverages or acid reflux.
Breathing through your mouth will create the perfect dry environment for cavity-causing bacteria. If you suffer from mouth breathing or a dry mouth, reduce the already increased cavity risk by:
- Have good oral hygiene in the morning and at night to remove food, plaque, and bacteria.
- Take frequent sips of water throughout the day to neutralize bacteria and acid. This will also help balance out the pH in the mouth.
- Talk to your doctor about ways to correct this habit. Sleeping positions, exercise, stress-reducing practices, and appliances like mouth tape are just a few ways to help active breathing through the nose.
Check out our Mouth Breather vs Nose Breather article to learn more.
Restoring Front Teeth Cavities
The Front Tooth Cavity Fix
The front tooth cavity fix is working with your dentist and dental assistant to remove the tooth decay and place a restoration on your tooth. What type of dental restorations for your front tooth cavities depends on the size of the cavity and how strong your teeth are.
Restoring Options for Front Teeth Cavities
- Dental Filling: If the cavity is smaller, a simple white dental filling can be placed.
- Dental Bonding: Bonding the front teeth includes using a tooth-colored composite resin material (a durable plastic material) that is adhered to the tooth surface. This dental procedure is not as strong as veneers and crowns but is more minimally invasive.
- Dental Veneers: This type of filling covers more of the tooth’s surface. It is a thin porcelain or composite resin material that is applied seamlessly to the front of the tooth. Porcelain is stronger than composite veneers but more costly.
- Crowns: Crowns are needed if the cavity is very large and the remaining tooth structure isn’t strong enough. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are custom-made to fit over your tooth. Dental crowns provide a superior level of protection and structural reinforcement.
Your dentist will recommend the best type of front tooth cavity fix that will work best for you and your smile. Our article Are Front Teeth Fillings Noticeable to learn more.
Front Teeth Fillings Tips
Just like back teeth restorations, front teeth restorations are a permanent way to fix the cavity. Before the dental appointment, there are a few things to consider with your dentist.
- Whitening: Dental restorations will not whiten. If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, consider whitening them before having a permanent restoration placed. Check out our article Effective Tooth Whitening Treatments.
- Fracturing Risk: Restorations for front teeth cavities have a higher risk of fracturing. This is due to the lack of surface area for the tooth restoration to bond to compared to a molar. A stronger restoration may be better if you are concerned about this.
- Diet Changes: Due to the fracturing risk, certain foods increase the risk of breakage. Avoid biting into hard foods like carrots and apples with your front teeth. Biting into corn on the cob, ribs, and chicken wings should also be avoided. Chew these foods with your back teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cavities on the front teeth be fixed?
Absolutely! Fixing a cavity on the front teeth is very similar to restoring a cavity on a back tooth. There are several common restoration types listed above. Talk to your dentist today to find out which one suits your lifestyle best.
Are cavities on front teeth common?
Cavities on the front teeth are less common than cavities on the back teeth. Although they are less common, front teeth cavities have been increasing due to poor diet and lifestyle habits.
How strong are front teeth fillings?
Front teeth fillings are not as strong as fillings on the back teeth. This is because they have less surface area to reinforce them. This is why your dentist may opt for a stronger restoration than a simple tooth filling.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
