What Happens When Your Child Gets a Cavity (and How We Fix it With Care)

What if my child gets a cavity?

As a parent, you strive to provide the best care for your child, from the health care they receive, to the food they eat, to the education they receive. So, if your child has signs of a cavity, it can be worrisome. 

At We Make Kids Smile in Waldorf, Maryland, we want parents to know that cavities are common in children. In fact, they are one of the most frequent chronic dental issues that children face. The good news is that cavities are easily treatable, especially when caught in the early stages. With the right approach, your child doesn’t have to fear the dentist, as We Make Kids Smile uses a gentle approach with our patients.

How do cavities form?

Cavities are a permanent area of damage on the hard surface of the tooth that develops into a tiny opening or hole. Bacteria that live in the mouth combine with food particles and saliva and become plaque, which is a sticky film that adheres to the tooth. 

When your child consumes sugary or starchy foods or drinks, like juice, crackers, and candy, the bacteria in plaque creates acid. The acid slowly eats away at the tooth’s enamel, or outer protective layer. Over time, the enamel can break down, which is when a cavity is formed.

Because a child’s primary, or baby, teeth have thinner enamel than adult, or permanent, teeth, the decay can eat away at a tooth faster than normal. That is why dentists recommend a regular brushing routine, along with biannual dental checkups because they can catch early signs of tooth decay.

Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity

Early detection is key when it comes to treatment of cavities. But how can parents tell if their child has a cavity? While most cavities are not visible to the naked eye, if you see small, chalky white spots on your child’s tooth, that can be the start of a cavity. Often, those spots will progress to light brown, dark brown, and sometimes even black areas. In more advanced cases, there may be a visible hole or tiny pit in the tooth. 

Another sign your child may have a cavity is tooth sensitivity. If your child’s teeth are suddenly sensitive to temperatures, or even if they are only eating and chewing on one side of their mouth, this could be a sign that your child has a cavity that is causing them pain. If this happens, make sure to call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can address your child’s pain.

How We Treat Cavities

If your child does indeed have a cavity, there is no really no need to worry. Our team specializes in making kids’ dental fillings as stress-free as possible. We prioritize your child’s emotional comfort as much as their clinical care.

First, our dental team will perform a complete dental evaluation of your child’s mouth to examine all of their teeth. Next, we use digital X-rays to see exactly where the cavity is. Digital X-rays are fast and use less radiation than a traditional X-ray does. Once we locate the cavity and learn how big it is, we discuss your options. Some of the solutions are:

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Made of durable composite resin, this option blends perfectly with your child’s natural tooth color so no one will know there was a cavity.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

For young children or those who are nervous about having dental work done, we offer silver diamine fluoride, or SDF. It is a liquid that is painted onto the tooth to stop the decay in its tracks without having to remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill it.

Pediatric Crown

If a cavity is too large for a filling, a pediatric dental crown will be used. It is essentially a cover that goes over the tooth and protects it until the baby tooth falls out naturally.

Your dentist will discuss the options with you first to find the best solution for your child’s cavity.

Keeping Your Child Comfortable in the Dentist’s Chair

We Make Kids Smile has a “show-tell-do” process. This is where we explain in plain language what will be happening during the procedure, and show your child what dental tools will be used. Once your child understands the process and is comfortable, we will complete the dental procedure.

Preventing Future Cavities

The best way to treat a cavity is to prevent one from even starting. One important step is a proper bruising technique. This involves using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a head that is small enough to maneuver in your child’s mouth. We recommend using a toothpaste that is fortified with fluoride as well. 

To brush properly, brush for at least two minutes twice a day, remembering to brush every surface of every tooth. Don’t forget to floss at least once a day as well. We also recommend visiting our office at least twice a year for preventative dental screenings and cleanings. This allows our team to monitor not only the growth of your child’s teeth, but see if there are any early dental problems we should be aware of. 

Finally, we also recommend limiting sugary and sticky foods and beverages to help prevent cavities. Instead, choose crunchy veggies and fruits, low-fat cheese, and water.

We Make Kids Smile is your partner in pediatric health.

Cavities don’t have to be scary—they are simply a sign that a tooth needs a little extra care. If you think your child might have a cavity, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today. We’re here to keep your child’s precious smile happy and healthy for years to come.