Cavities form in the wake of the deterioration of enamel, the hard outer shell of your teeth. This dental problem can affect individuals in any age group – children, teenagers, and adults alike – because they are all subject to plaque formation.
Plaque is a sticky film that accrues over your teeth and contains bacteria. Certain foods and drinks, like items containing sugar, will encourage bacteria within plaque to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel.
The plaque’s stickiness ensures these harmful acids remain in contact with our teeth over time. Then this contributes to the possible breakdown of the enamel and the formation of cavities. This early stage of tooth decay appears as little holes formed in your tooth.
Children in particular may face a high risk of cavities due to their preference for sugary foods and drinks. But with optimal preventive oral healthcare from a pediatric dentist, they can protect their developing smiles from decay.
Addressing Cavities in Pediatric Dentistry
In pediatric dentistry, cavities must be addressed promptly, even if they occur in primary or “baby” teeth. If a child develops decay within their primary teeth, a dental filling procedure becomes necessary to stabilize oral health and avoid tooth loss.
Primary teeth play key roles in developing speech patterns and eating normal diets. But the damage to these baby teeth may also impact the wellness of permanent adult teeth. Treating cavities in pediatric patients can prevent serious long-term dental problems that can continue into adulthood.
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist’s office will lower the risks of dental problems like tooth decay, especially during developmental stages when a child’s smile grows. So make sure your child does not skip their dental check-ups.
Treating Cavities with Dental Fillings
Treating a cavity involves removing the decayed part of the tooth enamel and then restoring the tooth’s structure with a dental filling. Fillings come recommended based on factors like size and location of the cavity along with patient’s age.
Pediatric dental patients may benefit from different types of fillings, such as silver amalgam fillings, white fillings, or SDF fillings, amongst others. Dentists will use a filling to treat cavities in baby teeth as well as adult teeth. If left untreated, cavities could spread and deteriorate gum tissue or jawbone.
Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
Practicing good oral hygiene will minimize a child’s risk of tooth decay. Parents and guardians should help their kids brush their teeth at least twice per day and floss between their teeth daily. Children might benefit from completing their oral hygiene regimen under adult supervision to encourage healthy habits.
They should also attend dental cleanings at their dentist’s office to ensure harmful plaque that a toothbrush might miss gets removed. Otherwise, cavities can form in these tricky spots in their smiles.
A diet low in added sugars also significantly impacts a growing smile’s health. Excess sugar can create an environment that encourages bacteria growth, which may ultimately cause tooth decay. Drinking water, especially after a meal, will rinse away food particles that can make plaque collect on the teeth faster.