Dental Fillings An Overview
Dr. Miller can place a dental filling to address tooth decay and restore the health and integrity of your child’s tooth. Children are at risk for decay from the moment their teeth break through the gums and their diet includes more than just breast milk. Even infants can develop tooth decay which should be treated to avoid losing a primary tooth.
We offer several types of dental fillings to meet the needs of our patients:
- White fillings: made of a biocompatible, composite resin, white fillings are made to match the color of your child’s existing teeth so that they can blend in seamlessly with their smile. This type of filling is also highly durable and more stain resistant than natural tooth enamel.
- SDF fillings: silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is suitable for minor cavities and is a liquid that can be applied over decay to halt progression and avoid permanent tooth damage. This type of filling is often recommended for very young children and special needs patients who may find it difficult to handle a traditional dental filling. The silver colored material will darken the appearance of the treated tooth, a consideration for an older child or a filling in a tooth that is visible when smiling.
Cavity Prevention in Babies and Toddlers
There are several ways parents and caregivers can reduce a young child’s risk of developing tooth decay and maintain the health of primary teeth. Once your baby’s diet expands beyond breast milk or if they are bottle fed from birth, the erupting teeth are subject to the effects of bacteria in the mouth that come from sugars. Managing a young child’s habits can help set the stage for a healthy smile:
- Discontinue at-will breastfeeding once teeth begin to erupt
- Do not let your baby go to bed with a bottle of formula or juice
- Serve juice only from a sippy cup
- Rinse the mouth or serve your child water after a sugary snack or cup of juice
Cavity Prevention in Children and Teens
As your child grows, their diet will expand and they are often eating snacks and meals outside of the home. Hopefully, early oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet will support their dental health but there are also ways to help a growing child minimize their risk for dental problems such as decay and gum disease.
- Encourage drinking water after meals to cleanse the mouth
- Reduce the amount of added sugars in their diet and offer fruits and vegetables whenever possible
- Encourage their daily oral hygiene routine, which should include brushing and flossing
