3 Ways to Tell if Your Child Has a Cavity
Children are told to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss but let’s be honest, unless you’re helping them, they’re not always the most reliable when they’re young. Because of this, a cavity (and subsequent tooth-colored filling by our Grandville pediatric dentists) isn’t out of the question.
Here are 3 and tips from our pediatric dentists on how you can halt tooth decay.
Causes of Cavities in Baby Teeth
No parent wants to see their child develop a cavity because that translates into a filling or possibly even a pediatric dental crown. Unfortunately, cavities can happen and not all show themselves in the same way.
Food for Thought → Are Baby Teeth Really That Important?
Our local pediatric dentists recommend professional teeth cleanings every 6 months and at-home oral care to fight off harmful bacteria on baby teeth. If you’re interested in additional protection beyond what using a toothbrush can provide, ask us about having dental sealants applied on your child’s back molars.
For many children, cavities can develop because of:
- A diet high in sugars and starches (i.e., milk, fruit juice, bread, sugary foods etc.)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Going to sleep with bottles – leads to high risk of “baby bottle tooth decay”
- Little exposure to fluoride
It’s easy to fall for common myths — like thinking baby teeth don’t matter because they’ll fall out, or that cavity treatment is only necessary if kids eat a bunch of candy. In reality, decay can start early, and even healthy-looking snacks or drinks can contribute. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your little one’s smile and never brush off signs of tooth trouble in kids – pun intended. Catching issues early means simpler, less stressful treatment and a healthier mouth overall.
Cavity Treatment May Be Needed If Your Child:
1) Has a Discolored Tooth
Tooth decay typically progresses from white spots on teeth to a darker shade of brown or black if not treated. Not every patient experiences this, however, which is why brushing, flossing, and checkups every 6 months are so important.
If you notice a white spot on one of your child’s teeth, this means the enamel is beginning to break down. It’s common for sensitivity to result because of this early decay. Once the tooth has a light brown color, you’ve got an and as it grows deeper, the color darkens.
2) Acts Irritable or Cranky
When they’re really young, children aren’t always the best at communicating what they’re feeling. Where you have the language to express that your tooth hurts or is sensitive, they may not. Instead, they act cranky, cry, and are short-tempered.
Helping your child work through the tooth pain that they’re experiencing is key here. Try to ask easy questions and locate the source of the discomfort as best you can. Even better, bring them into our Grandville, MI, pediatric dental office and we’ll take a closer look.
3) Is Experiencing Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
Has your little one been eating their food a certain way to avoid a painful tooth? New eating habits or behaviors can sometimes indicate something’s up with their mouth. Again, it might be difficult for them to articulate how they feel but even if they can’t explain why something hurts, they can usually still tell you about pain in simple terms.
What to Expect for Cavity Treatment
Placing tooth-colored fillings on baby teeth is a quick and simple process that takes just one visit to our office. If your child needs help relaxing, dental sedation in the form of laughing gas and oral medication is available upon request, though the latter will require some prior planning.
First, our dentists will gently numb the area around the cavity to keep your child comfortable. Then, we’ll remove the decayed portion of the tooth and clean the area thoroughly. Once it’s ready, a tooth-colored resin is applied in layers, shaped to match the natural tooth, and hardened with a special curing light.
The final step involves smoothing and polishing the filling so it blends seamlessly with your child’s smile. Most kids are in and out within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many fillings are needed. There’s little to no downtime, and your child can typically return to their normal activities the same day though they will need to be careful as the numbing dissipates.
How to Get In Front of Cavities
You can practice cavity prevention at home with your children by encouraging them to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily. Be sure to help them if they are too young and use an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste based on their age.
Aside from oral hygiene, limit your child’s intake of sugary foods and make sure they’re eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Sweets are fine as treats and in moderation, but you don’t want to overdo it in combination with inadequate oral care.
Take Your Child’s Dental Issues Seriously
Sometimes cavities happen and they aren’t always the most obvious. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can discover them by listening and observing your child. If you’re unsure, it’s never a bad idea to bring them in to be seen by our pediatric dentists in Grandville, MI. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430 to request an appointment for your little one(s).
This blog post has been updated.