In our last blog, we looked at the causes of tooth decay and discussed preventive options to avoid decay. But what if your little one develops a cavity? In today’s blog, your Garland, TX, dentist explains how we treat cavities and restore little smiles to optimal health and function. Remember, even baby teeth that develop cavities need treatment!
Addressing Cavities in Baby Teeth
Children will develop tooth decay when food and sugar particles remain on or between the teeth. As bacteria break down these particles, the level of oral acidity rises and the teeth become coated in a bacterial byproduct known as plaque. This buildup eventually weakens enamel, causing erosion and exposing the sensitive inner layers to bacteria. A cavity then forms. Without treatment, tooth decay grows more severe. Waiting for the baby tooth to fall out could mean your child suffers serious tooth sensitivity and severe toothaches. If the tooth becomes too infected, we may have to remove it. Losing a baby tooth prematurely impacts how the permanent teeth arrive, as remaining baby teeth are needed to guide them in place. Some may develop misalignment and the need for expensive orthodontics in the future.
Dental Fillings
How do we treat a cavity? We usually place a filling, which repairs the tooth in a single visit. We first clean the tooth and remove any decay. We then etch the tooth if necessary and apply a composite resin, which is a metal-free combination of glass and plastic compounds. The filling can be shaded to match surrounding teeth. We apply the material and the dentist shapes the tooth as the composite resin cures under a light. We polish the tooth to complete the procedure. Your child then avoids discomfort and enjoys a healthier smile.
Preventing Cavities
Remember, routine care is often a major factor in avoiding cavities. Your child needs to have his or her teeth brushed twice a day and flossed every night before bed. They should not lay down for a nap or bedtime with a bottle of juice or milk, which would leave behind particles for bacteria to consume in the night. Cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks and replacing them with healthier alternatives is also important, as are routine six-month checkups and dental cleanings. If you have any questions about protecting your children from cavities, or if your child complains about an aching tooth, then please let us know as soon as possible!
Does Your Child Have an Aching Tooth?
We can identify the presence of decay and offer a solution in just one visit. For more information on our children’s dental care treatments, schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
