Has your child recently been diagnosed with a cavity? Cavities in children can cause big problems if they aren’t removed quickly. In today’s blog, your Sheridan, WY, dentist talks about the importance of diagnosing and treating childhood decay before it causes painful infections.
Decay Spreads Quickly in Baby Teeth
Your little one has baby teeth that are much more susceptible to dental decay and even infection. Their tooth enamel is much thinner, and their root canals are much closer to the surface. This means that a small cavity can quickly spread and reach the live part of the tooth much more quickly than in a grown-up tooth. If decay does infect the pulp, a painful dental infection will follow. Treating the infection will involve a root canal or extraction. It is always best to preserve your child’s natural teeth because they hold space for the grown-up teeth to erupt. Early loss can cause issues with alignment leading to the need for orthodontic treatment.
Establish a Fun Oral Care Routine
Preventing cavities is so important for your child’s well-being. Establishing a fun routine for oral care at home is number one. Making time to brush your teeth as a family so that you can model good hygiene will make your child want to imitate you. So, show them how to brush twice a day and floss! When your child is young, helping them brush is important. They do not have the dexterity and proper technique to reach the gumline properly or the cavity-prone back teeth.
Preventive Measures
Limiting snacking and focusing on drinking water will give cavity-causing bacteria less to feed on. Therefore, they can’t create all the acid that eats away at enamel causing cavities. Fluoride treatments help to strengthen and repair the tooth. We recommend in-office fluoride treatments for cavity-prone children and an at-home fluoride toothpaste once your children understand not to swallow it. Dental sealants are an excellent way to prevent cavities in the grooves of their back teeth. Talk to us at your child’s next check-up to learn more about how we can prevent cavities.
Gentle Sedation and Tooth-Colored Fillings
If your child does need a filling due to decay, we can place a discreet tooth-colored filling. We offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to relax your child before they are numbed, and the filling is placed. This safe gas will be administered via a small nose piece and the effects will wear off as soon as pure oxygen is delivered, and the gas is no longer being inhaled. We want your child to feel safe and comfortable and this is a great way to restore their health efficiently.
Schedule Your Child’s Filling Today
Our goal is to create a positive experience for your child so that they can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. For more information about tooth-colored fillings or how we can prevent tooth decay, reach out to Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at 307-672-7567.
