If you were surprised to hear the dentist say your child has a cavity - you’re not alone. Unfortunately even children who brush their teeth twice a day can still get cavities. This could be from lack of rinsing, flossing, or too many sugary foods and drinks.
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in toddlers and children. So now that your child has a cavity, the next step is to treat it. Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry explains what to do if your child has one or more cavities.
How Cavities Happen in Children
If you’re surprised your child has a cavity and needs a filling, you’re not alone. About 20% of children aged 5 to 11 years have a tooth affected by decay. It is still possible for your child to get cavities, even though they brush their teeth twice a day. This is why flossing is so important. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria, bred from sugar and food particles, in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. When tooth decay is left untreated, holes, or cavities, are created in the teeth. These cavities need to be filled to prevent pain and infection.
How to Treat Kids Cavities
A cavity is a permanently damaged area in a tooth, and it can occur in primary (baby) and permanent teeth. In most cases, the course of treatment for a cavity is to have it filled. A filling involves the dentist removing the tooth decay and then filling in the hole with a white composite or metal material.
Getting a filling will involve drilling, which requires numbing in order to prevent any pain. However, most numbing techniques for fillings include shots in the mouth. All of these steps should be discussed with your child before the procedure to reduce any panic. If your child is scared of needles, discuss the use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, with your pediatric dentist.
What If It’s a Baby Tooth?
Unless the pediatric dentist feels the tooth will be coming out soon and does not deem a filling necessary, it’s recommended to fill a cavity on a baby tooth. This will preserve the tooth and prevent your child from losing baby teeth prematurely and causing a permanent tooth to come in improperly.
How to Prevent Cavities in Children
Once your child has their cavity filled and treated, it’s time to work on preventing anymore from happening. Establishing a healthy oral hygiene routine is a helpful way to ensure your children are brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily. They should also be rinsing their teeth after each meal and avoiding sugary candies, cookies, and other treats. Encourage your child to eat snacks that are good for their teeth, as well as drink water and milk in order to keep their smile healthy and strong.
What To Expect For a Children's Filling Appointment?
As a parent who cares for their child, you may be even more nervous about your child receiving a filling than they are. If your child’s pediatric dentist has determined they need a filling to fix a cavity, there are few ways to prepare. One of the best ways to prepare yourself and your child before their filling appointment is by knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Prepare with your Child’s Dentist
In order for you to know what to expect and better prepare your child for a filling, it’s a great idea to discuss with your child’s pediatric dentist prior to the appointment. Determine what type of filling will be used for your child’s tooth, if any sedation will be necessary, and if any after-care instructions need to be followed.
The Day of the Appointment
When your child is brought back into the exam room, the dentist will reexamine the affected tooth or teeth, and determine the size of the cavity or cavities. If you and your child’s dentist determine your child won’t be able to sit still enough or is too anxious and needs sedation for the procedure, this will be administered before the procedure begins.
When the patient and pediatric dentist are ready to proceed, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and help keep your child comfortable while traces of decay are removed from their teeth. Next, the dentist will fill the cavity with the composite filling and seal it immediately with a UV light.
Post-procedure Care
It’s important to check with your child’s dentist for specific instructions. Generally, fillings may cause your child’s mouth some discomfort that can be solved with a cold cloth against their face or over-the-counter pain relievers like children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
For more questions about children’s fillings and what to expect, contact Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry.
