Do you sometimes worry about sneaky sugar fiends hiding in your child’s precious smile? Those pesky cavities can be unwelcome visitors, causing discomfort and disrupting the adventures of growing up. This guide will equip you with the tools to navigate tooth care and keep your kid’s pearly whites shining bright.
Cavities in Children: What to Do
Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are common among children. Left untreated your child can experience pain and infection. This can lead to problems with speaking, eating, and learning.
Good dental hygiene can help your child prevent cavities. You can help your child establish healthy dental habits even before their first tooth appears. Knowing what causes cavities in children and how to treat them if they develop can help you and your child prevent them in the future.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
Cavities can be caused by bacteria, foods, acids, and saliva. Foods with sugars and starches in them, like candy, soda, cake, juices, milk, and cereals, become acidic from the bacteria in your child’s mouth. The acids break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. If left untreated, cavities can be dangerous for children.
All children are at risk for cavities, but some factors may increase that risk:
- Higher than average levels of bacteria in your child’s mouth
- Too many carbohydrates, sugars, and starches in your child’s diet
- Drinking water with little to no fluoride
- Little to no oral hygiene
- Low saliva production
Signs of Cavities in Children
Signs and symptoms of cavities may be different for every child, but common signs include:
- White spots on the tooth
- Formation of a light brown color on the tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- A hole in the tooth
- Reactions to sweets or cold foods
If your child has noticeable signs of a cavity, they’ll need to see a dentist. Your dentist will treat their cavities with a filling, also known as a restoration. There are two types of restorations: direct and indirect. Direct restorations require one visit to fill the cavity holes. Indirect restorations need two visits and involve repairs to the tooth with a customized material.
If your child experiences the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Increased pain or swelling
- Fever and other signs of infection
- Trouble eating or chewing
- Pus draining from the tooth
Untreated cavities and tooth decay can cause life-threatening infections that have long-term effects.
It’s time to map your child’s smile. Our friendly team at Balanced Dental can’t wait to help them with a checkup! Schedule your appointment today at 772.247.2407. Follow our Instagram for more dental tips.
Reference: [https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-do-about-cavities-in-children]
