Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children. If you find out that your child has a cavity at their regular dentist appointment you may be wondering what happens next. What is a cavity? If the cavity is in a “baby tooth” does it still have to be treated? What is cavity filling treatment? In this post, we’re going to look at what to expect when it comes to treating a cavity for your child.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a permanently damaged area in a tooth, caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay is often caused when proper hygiene isn’t observed, and foods such as sugars and starches cling to the tooth’s surface, giving bacteria a chance to feed and grow into plaque. The plaque then hardens and forms tartar, which protects the bacteria and allows more plaque to form. Over time, plaque damages the tooth enamel (the hard outer surface on the teeth). Once the enamel erodes, holes start to form in the teeth. These are called cavities (or caries) and they need to be professionally filled by a dentist to prevent further damage or infection.
How Do I Know If My Child Has a Cavity?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if your child has a cavity. Often, you won’t know your child has a cavity until your dentist points it out, which is why it’s so important to keep up with regularly scheduled dentist appointments. Some other signs might include:
- your child complaining of pain/toothache
- noticeable dark or light spots on the tooth
- sensitivity to food or drink (or avoiding food)
- swelling in the mouth
- lethargy (from infection)
If you suspect your child may have a cavity, book an appointment with your dentist right away.
Do Baby Teeth Need To Be Treated?
Do primary teeth (“baby” teeth) even need to be treated, since they will eventually fall out? The answer is yes. Primary teeth are important because they affect your child’s chewing and speaking. Losing a baby tooth prematurely can also affect the way a permanent tooth comes in. When left untreated, the decay will worsen, leading to pain and possibly infection. In the extreme case of severe tooth decay, if a primary tooth needs to be extracted, a space maintainer will be used to keep the gap open, helping the permanent tooth grow in properly.
How Is a Cavity Treated?
In most cases, cavities are treated with a dental filling. Your dentist will drill away and remove the decayed part of the tooth. Once this is complete, the tooth will be cleaned and filled. A few different types of materials can be used for fillings, but the most common is a composite resin (white fillings). Composite fillings are durable and aesthetically pleasing, mimicking the appearance of natural teeth.
Generally, a cavity filling treatment can be completed quickly and with minimal discomfort. It’s possible your child’s dentist will temporarily numb the area before the procedure. After the dental filling has been placed, some tooth sensitivity is normal. This should resolve itself after two to three weeks.
Keeping up with your child’s regular dentist appointments is the best way to know if your child has a cavity. Tooth decay and cavities are easier to treat when they are caught early on. Don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s dentist if you have any questions about their cavity filling treatment or oral health.