Cavities are more common than you think.

If your child has a cavity, you might be shocked to learn they aren’t in the minority. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nearly 60% of children under the age of five will have a cavity by the time they are in kindergarten. And if those cavities are left untreated, they can lead to further problems, which could require more dental work and affect your child’s dental health, and even their overall health. Thankfully, a filling or dental crown can be used to repair a tooth that has a cavity, and your pediatric dentist in Kearney, NE can take care of your child and their dental health.

What is a dental cavity?

A dental cavity happens when acid breaks down the tooth’s enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth. When sugars and starches from the foods and drinks we consume mix with bacteria, excess acid builds up in your mouth. This excess acid wears down the tooth’s enamel, and a white spot can form on the tooth, which is the earliest sign of a cavity.

At this early stage, the damage to the tooth can be reversed with good oral hygiene habits, along with a fluoride rinse, which contains minerals that enhance the enamel of the tooth.

If a tooth is left untreated, the cavity can grow, which causes weakness in the tooth and can create holes from where the acid eats away at the surface of the tooth. If a cavity isn’t treated, it can lead to tooth pain, decay, and even tooth loss in the worst cases, which is why it is so important to see your dentist regularly to check for the start of cavities in your child’s mouth.

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is what is used to treat a dental cavity in order to save the tooth. A filling is often made of composite material, which can be tooth colored to match the original color of your tooth, or your child can get a more traditional amalgam filling, which is silver in color.

To repair a dental cavity, your dentist at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Kearney will remove the weakened or dead tissues of the tooth, clean the area, and then use the special material to “fill” the space in the tooth. If this is a surface cavity, the dentist will not need to use any novocaine to numb the area. However, if the dentist needs to remove part of the tooth that is closest to the center, or root, of the tooth, a numbing agent will be used so your child doesn’t feel any pain while the filling is being placed in the tooth.

For a small cavity, a filling is the perfect solution because it is long-lasting and durable. Your child will be able to eat and chew normally again within a few hours. With proper care, a filling can last your child a number of years.

What if my child needs a dental crown?

If the cavity is too big to repair with a filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown for your child’s tooth. A dental crown is a tooth-colored covering that fits over a tooth to help keep its integrity. A dental crown can be made of a number of materials, all of which are durable and can last up to 15 years if taken care of properly.

A dental crown is used when a tooth has been damaged and needs to be restored. Your child’s dentist will recommend a crown if a tooth has been chipped or broken.

The team at Pediatric Dental Specialists of Kearney may recommend a dental crown for your child instead of a filling if the cavity is large and if a dental filling won’t hold the shape of the tooth. A dental crown will help keep the integrity of the tooth and help keep teeth from shifting in the mouth, since a dental crown is a replica of the tooth.

A cavity doesn’t mean the end of the world for your child’s dental health.

Just because your child has a dental cavity, it doesn’t mean their oral health is doomed. With modern technology, Pediatric Dental Specialists are able to use X-rays and mouth scans to help check for any spots that can turn into cavities and treat the tooth before it turns into something more.

With a proper brushing and flossing routine, your child can beat cavities. But if you are looking for additional support, talk to your dentist about dental sealants. A dental sealant is a covering that is applied to the molars and premolars, which are the most susceptible to cavities, to help prevent those cavities from even forming. A dental sealant can be applied in one dental visit and causes no pain to your child.

If you are looking for an added layer of protection for your child’s teeth, ask about a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. You can also find toothpaste and mouthwashes at your local grocery or drug store that are fortified with fluoride for helping to keep teeth strong.

Prevent cavities with daily brushing and biannual dental evaluations.

The best way to prevent cavities is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and by flossing. You should also visit Pediatric Dental Specialist at least twice a year, or every six months, for a dental evaluation to have your child’s teeth checked. If you haven’t seen us in a while, schedule your appointment today!