Early Childhood Cavities
Arlington, WA
 An early childhood cavity is one of the most common dental problems for children under the age of six. It is also one of the most preventable. At Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in several preventive and restorative treatments that address this issue before greater complications arise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), early tooth decay affects roughly 20 percent of young children. With our guidance as pediatric specialists, you can help your child stay out of this category. The following information will help you better understand early childhood cavities.
What Causes Early Childhood Cavities?
Dental caries, commonly referred to as tooth decay, is caused by the buildup of plaque, the thin biofilm that constantly forms on and around the teeth. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that feed off simple carbohydrates like sugar. As they feed, these bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, which results in tooth decay.
Your child may be more susceptible to early cavities due to certain risk factors, some of which include:
| • |
Lack of professional care: If your child has not seen a dentist yet, tooth decay is imminent.
|
| • |
Baby bottle tooth decay: Putting your child to bed with a bottle that contains anything but water can result in significant decay.
|
| • |
Lack of oral hygiene: American Dental Association wants parents to know that teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear. Be sure to implement an oral hygiene regimen after feedings.
|
| • |
Genetics: Unfortunately, some children are more vulnerable to tooth decay due to hereditary issues. |
Preventing Early Childhood Cavities
Prevention is a large part of pediatric dentistry. The best way to prevent early childhood cavities is with a strong oral hygiene routine, even before the first teeth erupt. You can clean an infant’s gums with water and a wet washcloth.
After the teeth appear, brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals and before bed. It would help if you used a toothbrush designed specifically for children and fluoridated toothpaste. Once your child is old enough to brush on their own, be sure they implement the proper techniques.
Flossing once a day is also a crucial step in preventing cavities. Flossing allows you or your child to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth. These areas usually remain unaffected by a toothbrush.
Finally, be sure to schedule regular appointments with us. Routine exams and professional cleanings are a vital part of keeping harmful bacteria at bay. The ADA recommends scheduling their first appointment as soon as their baby teeth begin to erupt.
Treatment for Early Childhood Cavities
If Dr. Justin Smith diagnoses your child with early childhood tooth decay, the next step is developing an appropriate treatment plan. Cavities in the primary (baby) teeth are usually treated with dental fillings. Extensive decay may require a more advanced restoration.
Significant tooth decay may result in an infection within the tooth. In this case, we may also need to perform a root canal. After the root canal, we might also suggest a dental crown, which protects the tooth from further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Fillings Overview
Dental fillings are a solution if you have a decayed tooth that needs repair. A dentist removes the decay and cleans the area and then fills it using special filling material. A dental filling protects the area from further damage and restores the function of your teeth. dental fillings may also be used to repair broken or cracked teeth or worn down parts of a tooth due to grinding or clenching. At Arlington Pediatric Dentistry, our team recommends fillings if you need to repair your damaged teeth but crowns are just too large for the repair.
Types of Dental Fillings
Each of the fillings material has its own pros and cons and our dentist will advise on the most appropriate one to use depending on your specific case and your preferences.
Amalgam Fillings
Amalgams are common because they last longer and are less experience compared to composite fillings.
Composite Resin Fillings
Tooth-colored composite fillings are a great choice if you are worried about the look of the fillings. They can have a shade that closely matches your existing teeth. These composite fillings bond to the existing tooth, thereby offering additional support. Tooth-colored composite fillings are an option when you want to repair a tooth from other damages other than cavities. If you are seeking a filling to be placed below the gumline, glass ionomer makes a good choice because it released fluoride that aids to protect a tooth from further decay.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are long-lasting, often surviving for up to 15 years, but they may be much costlier than other fillings. Gold filling offers an appealing appearance.
Talk to our dentist to see what filling material works best for you.
Dental Filling Procedure
During a filling procedure, our dentist numbs the area using local anesthesia. With a drill or other equipment, the dentist removes the decayed tissue. In the next step, the specialist tests the area to see that all the damaged tissue has been taken out from the tooth. Thereafter, the dentist prepares the area for filling by cleaning the cavity or hole within the location where the decay was. If the decay was close to the root areas, a special liner may be placed before placing the filling material. Once the filling is complete, the dentist finishes and polishes the material. For tooth-colored fillings, additional steps may be required. The dentist applies the tooth-colored fillings in multiple layers. After each layer, he or she uses a blue light to cure the material. When all the layers are complete, the dentist shapes the material. Additionally, he or she trims off and polishes the restoration.
Aftercare for Dental Fillings
Do not bite on hard foods or objects since fillings are not that strong like normal teeth. Cut foods into little pieces and use the other side of the mouth to chew. You may experience some sensitivity and pain due to cold, sweet foods, air, hot foods, or even pressure. However, it should subside and go away with time, but it may take a couple of weeks to go completely.
Schedule an Appointment
Protect your child’s oral health with regular visits! Find out more about dental fillings. Reach out our team at Arlington Pediatric Dentistry by calling 360-657-1650. |
