Can You Get Cavities on Your Front Teeth?

Most of us have had a cavity at one point in our lives. Luckily, they’re treatable with the right care; however, this doesn’t make them any less of a nuisance. While most of us get cavities in the teeth towards the backs of our mouths, is this the only at risk area? Let’s dive deeper into cavities to determine if all our teeth are at risk.

Cavities and Teeth

Humans have four main types of teeth. The front teeth are called incisors. There are four incisors on the top jaw (called the maxilla) and four on the bottom (called the mandible). Next to the incisors, on either side, is a canine tooth. These are on the top and bottom too. Next, come two premolars on either side, top, and bottom. Finally, at the very back of the top and bottom jaw are three molars on each side.

Most cavities occur in the molars and premolars. Their rough surfaces make it easier for them to grind up food when chewing. The bumpy, uneven surface is a perfect place for food particles to stick. If those pieces of food don’t get cleaned away with brushing and flossing, their acids can eat away at teeth, causing cavities. Unfortunately, it can be hard to reach some of these spots while brushing, making them prone to cavities.

Since incisors are the easiest to reach and naturally smoother than back teeth, cleaning them is easier. This makes cavities less likely on the front teeth, but they are still possible.

How does a cavity form?

A cavity forms when acids and sugars combine with bacteria in the mouth. They build up on teeth to form a sticky substance called plaque. If the plaque stays there long enough, it will start to eat away at the hard, outer layer of the tooth called the enamel.

The resulting hole is called a cavity. It can be shallow and only impact the enamel, or it can keep decaying the tooth and go deeper. If it reaches the softer part of the tooth beneath the enamel called the dentin, it will grow and spread even faster. Eventually, it might get to the pulp chamber. This is the root that’s filled with blood vessels and nerves. At this point, the bacteria can cause a painful infection called an abscess.

How to diagnose a cavity?

When cavities are small, a patient might not even know they have one. They may only show up with an x-ray at the dentist’s office. As they grow, they are more likely to cause pain and discomfort. It may be hard to chew and hot or cold beverages might hurt. Sometimes, a cavity will be visible as a brown or gray mark on the tooth. This may be easy to spot if the cavity is on a front tooth.

Cavities and Adults

For adults, cavities in front teeth form for the same reasons and in the same way as cavities in any other part of the mouth. They are usually due to a combination of inadequate brushing and flossing, and a diet full of sugary, acidic food and drink. Certain medical conditions and heredity can also play a part in a person’s chances of getting cavities.

Cavities and Children

When small children get cavities on front teeth, it could be because of “baby bottle tooth decay.” Most doctors ask parents to avoid letting their infants and toddlers have a bottle overnight or for long periods during the day. This can allow the natural sugars from milk, formula, or fruit juices to linger in the mouth. The result is bacteria that can cause cavities in baby teeth. Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they are extremely important to a child’s dental development. Cavities at a young age can interfere with chewing and talking.

Good dental care should start even before teeth pop up, with wiping a baby’s gums. Brushing should become routine when teeth appear. The first trip to the dentist should be within six months of that time, or around the baby’s first birthday.