If you’re lucky enough to have all of your own teeth, it can still be startling to discover that you have a cavity on one of them! If this happens to you, you’ll want to address the issue as soon as possible so that it doesn’t get worse. This can be tricky if you don’t know what steps to take next, so we’ve put together this guide to help you treat that cavity on front tooth and get back to enjoying the rest of your smile!
The problem
Cavities can be painful, especially when they’re in your smile lines. They also happen more often than you may think. Every year, an estimated 5 percent of adults have at least one cavity; and it’s even more common in children. When cavities are small and only affect a single layer of enamel, they may only require a professional cleaning and possibly fluoride treatment. But if your dentist finds a deep hole with visible decay underneath, it will likely mean drilling for fillings or extractions to repair any damage—and that could translate into thousands of dollars out-of-pocket before all is said and done.
Prevention is better than cure
Cavities are a common dental problem and almost everyone has had one. To avoid them altogether, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. You can also make sure to regularly visit your dentist for cleanings so that any cavities can be treated early on. But what happens if you already have a cavity on your front tooth? It’s important to treat it immediately because once decay gets into a nerve or spreads into adjacent teeth, it’s harder—and more expensive—to fix. Most dentists will use inlays and onlays to fill in small holes caused by cavities, which can work well but could also leave gaps where air could get trapped.
A porcelain crown is another option and is often used to cover larger areas of missing tooth structure. Porcelain covers a titanium post that rests beneath your gums and matches up perfectly with surrounding teeth. Once installed, it feels like an ordinary natural tooth; even better, studies show that people with these types of crowns are less likely to develop secondary caries than those who choose restorations like bridges or dentures.
Avoid putting sugary liquids near the cavity
Sugary liquids and foods like fruit juice, soda and other acidic foods are really good at dissolving enamel. If that’s not bad enough, sugary liquids can pool up around a cavity because of their high sugar content. That creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth, which causes your mouth to get even more sensitive than it already is. The best way to combat these sugar-containing drinks is by consuming them from sippy cups or straws instead of directly from your glass. You can also rinse your mouth out with water afterward if necessary. Your dentist will help you identify any other triggers—such as stress or smoking—that may be affecting your teeth or gums during regular checkups, too.
Brush twice a day
While brushing is essential for anyone, it’s particularly important if you have a cavity. Cavities are caused by bacteria that cause your teeth to break down over time. Although professional treatments exist, in most cases prevention is all that’s needed to keep a cavity from progressing and prevent further damage. One of the best ways to do that is by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. This can help remove plaque—that sticky film of bacteria and leftover food particles that can harden into tartar if not removed regularly—and prevent decay from spreading throughout your mouth.
Use dental floss as well as regular floss
Although flossing has many benefits, it does not prevent cavities. If you are prone to cavities, a fluoride varnish and dental sealants may help protect your teeth from decay. Do not ignore symptoms like pain and sensitivity; if left untreated, a cavity can cause serious damage and ultimately cost hundreds of dollars in restorative treatments. However, there are some simple steps that you can take to slow or reverse cavity formation: Brush twice a day with an anti-cavity toothpaste Apply fluoride varnish annually Have a dental exam once every six months.
Don’t use hard bristled toothbrushes
Hard bristled toothbrushes can actually make your teeth weaker over time and increase your risk of a cavity. When it comes to brushing, less is more. Use an electric or soft bristle brush, which are gentler but more effective at getting rid of plaque buildup. Be sure not to brush too hard as well. Instead, alternate between rotating in small circles while scrubbing lightly in small back-and-forth motions—you should be able to comfortably feel some light pressure but no pain or extreme discomfort. By making sure you aren’t brushing too hard and that you’re only using an electric or soft bristle brush, you’ll be able keep those teeth healthy and free from cavities for years and years to come!
Replace your brush every two months
Dentists recommend replacing your brush every two months, though many of us don’t. Although there are ways to clean your teeth without brushing, your dental health is at stake. Dentists will often recommend flossing and mouthwash in place of a toothbrush, but both aren’t as effective as a good old-fashioned brushing. Of course, everyone needs something different when it comes to their personal oral care routine (cavity on front tooth?). So talk with your dentist about what might work best for you! They can help make sure that no matter how well you take care of your teeth, they won’t develop cavities in places that matter most.
Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup
A cavity is a decayed part of your tooth, which can weaken it and eventually cause it to fall out. Most cavities develop between visits to your dentist, so it’s important that you visit your dentist every six months for a checkup. If your dentist notices signs of decay, he or she will most likely recommend that you have a filling placed. However, severe cavities can also be treated with crowns or even fillings under sedation in some cases.
In addition to having one placed by your dentist, there are steps you can take at home to protect against more damage developing. First, brush twice daily and floss once daily. Consider using mouthwash as well if you find yourself unable to brush. After eating certain foods although be sure not to rinse longer than directed since over-rinsing can actually increase acid production. While these home solutions can help get rid of plaque buildup and prevent many small cavities from forming over time. They are only temporary fixes; still make sure to visit your dentist every six months for prevention purposes too!
Understand what side effects are possible with different treatments
The severity of your symptoms will determine which treatment is right for you. Sometimes, a cavity on a front tooth can be treated with a filling (also called a restoration). More serious cavities may require that the affected area of your tooth be removed and. Replaced with artificial materials, such as porcelain. While fillings and crowns both work to preserve your natural-looking smile, there are some key differences between them. A crown protects and strengthens your natural teeth, while fillings do not. Crowns are also more difficult to get than fillings because they require both more time and skill from your dentist. Porcelain veneers are another option for people with significant damage or decay in their teeth’s enamel.
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