What to Expect If Your Child Needs A Filling

Statistics say that more than 40% of the children in the age between 2 to 11 develop cavities in their baby teeth. You may not be the only parent whose child has cavities. According to pediatric dentist 77084, it’s always beneficial to practice optimum oral hygiene routine to prevent cavities but once they are developed, you should get them filled without any delays.

Tooth Decay

The pediatric dentist in Houston says that eating sugary food does not directly cause decay but when the food particles are left in mouth due to lack of brushing and flossing, it attracts bacteria which further cause plaque. The acids in plaque weaken the enamel on tooth with leads to tooth decay and cavity. If left untreated, it can become a severe infection which may need tooth extraction.

Signs of Tooth Decay

• Feeling sensitivity and pain when tooth is exposed to cold, sugar, or heat
• Holes on the surface of the tooth
• Black, brown, and white stains on tooth

Routine dental checkups can help in finding out the early signs of tooth decay and suggest the required procedure accordingly.

Treating Cavities

The dentistry for children has evolved and there are ways to ensure child’s comfort such as dental sedation. The dental sedation is of 3 types namely, nitrous oxide or laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. These sedation methods will make sure that children experience a comfortable dental filling session at the dental clinic.

Preventing Future Cavities

For preventing cavities in future the dentist may suggest fluoride treatments and advice using fluoride toothpaste. When the permanent teeth start growing, the sealants can be applied for protecting them from decay and cavities.

According to pediatric dentist near me, the brushing and flossing routine is the key for preventing cavities. Brushing twice a day with a soft bristled brush followed by flossing and a regular dental visit for cleaning is a must. The good oral habits when imbibed in children at a young age will continue to benefit even when they grow up.