Dentistry for Children: Treating Early Childhood Caries With Dental Fillings
Childhood caries are an unfortunate common incidence, and so are dental fillings. Statistics from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that 42% of children between the ages of two to 11 will experience at least one cavity. Parents are advised to learn about the symptoms of cavities as it will help ensure that their kids get timely dental fillings before the decay causes further damage.
Nevertheless, knowing the symptoms of cavities is not enough. The most effective way to handle cavities is to prevent their occurrence in the first place. This article focuses on the symptoms, treatment and prevention of early childhood caries.
About childhood caries
Signs of childhood caries
There are visual signs that indicate the presence of cavities. Sometimes, white spots can form on the teeth as an early sign, but it does not mean the cavity has formed. When there is a cavity, it will first appear as light brown. As the cavity forms fully, it will become dark brown.
The physical signs of early childhood caries include an ache around the affected tooth and sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods. Once a child starts experiencing any of these, you need to book an appointment with the child’s dentist.
Causes of dental caries in toddlers
Usually, tooth decay causes cavities. Tooth decay begins when bacteria accumulate in the child’s mouth. The bacteria produce acid that degrades the enamel gradually. As the enamel deteriorates, the tiny holes left are called caries.
Although it is impossible to remove the bacteria present in the mouth completely, certain actions can predispose your child to the risk of dental decay, including:
- Consuming diets with high sugar or starch content. Decay-causing bacteria feed on sugar and carbs and break them down into acid
- Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene routines such as regular brushing and flossing
- Insufficient fluoride in the teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that makes the tooth enamel stronger
Dental fillings for cavities
Treating early childhood caries involves using a composite filling, which matches the tooth’s color to fill the hole and shield the tooth from additional damage. A child’s dentist can complete the dental fillings procedure in a day. When the child visits the dental office, the kid-friendly dentist will calm the child and make the process painless by using local anesthesia to numb their gum and teeth.
After getting your child ready, the decay from the affected tooth will be removed and the area will be cleaned. The dental expert will then proceed to fill the cavity with a composite filling then use a special light to cure and solidify the composite.
After the composite is solidly in place, the dentist will verify that the dental filling causes no discomfort to the child. Additional adjustments may be made to the fillings accordingly. Composite fillings are generally durable and will last for years if the patient maintains proper oral hygiene routine.
Final note
Typically, children do not suffer any significant pain during a dental fillings procedure. If you are worried about your child’s comfort during the procedure, you can discuss sedation options with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Dental crowns can treat many dental issues, including cavities. Your dentist will always aim to keep your natural teeth. Placing caps on them can help the dentist do this. Cavities can eat away and weaken teeth. These teeth will need more support after treatments. Here are the details about when dental crowns can help after…
Dental crowns restore teeth compromised by damage or decay. They can repair teeth's appearance and function and last a long time. Though dental crowns can be highly beneficial for those who take good care of their teeth, improper dental care can damage these restorations, impact their effectiveness, and lead to decay and other oral health…
ClearCorrect® braces are an innovative orthodontic solution for those looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces. The system uses a series of clear, customized aligners that gradually move teeth into proper alignment. ClearCorrect is a discreet and convenient solution for people of all ages who want to straighten their teeth without the inconvenience and…
Whether you have a cracked, chipped, or decayed tooth, a dental crown can restore it to its original shape. With proper care, these restorations can last about 15 years. The good news is that caring for crowns is straightforward, with most patients not needing to change their oral hygiene routine.Dental crowns are essentially caps that…