Even Baby Teeth Need Dental Fillings
While baby teeth fall out on their own, that doesn’t mean you should try and wait out your child’s cavity. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will explain how treating cavities in primary teeth could help prevent the onset of infection or premature tooth loss. We also explain how our fillings blend with the appearance of your smile.
The Causes of Cavities in Childhood
Children could develop cavities for a number of reasons. The outer enamel that coats the teeth is the strongest material in the entire body. However, poor oral hygiene habits could weaken the enamel and eventually expose the sensitive inner dentin to bacteria, allowing a cavity to form. For example, when children enjoy snacks and drinks high in sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles for bacteria to consume. When this happens, the teeth become coated in plaque buildup, which begins to demineralize and erode enamel. Lack of proper brushing and flossing habits could also harm the smile, as this means your child is unable to remove the food particles caught between the teeth.
Treatment to Prevent Missing Teeth
Many parents assume that since baby teeth fall out on their own, treating cavities in them isn’t a big deal. Unfortunately, delaying treatment when the tooth could still be months or even years from falling out means the cavity could grow into an infection, with worsening discomfort and the risk of premature tooth loss. When children lose primary teeth early to decay, this impacts how the permanent teeth erupt could cause the onset of dental misalignment. Treatment with a lifelike filling made from a metal-free material then halts the decay and protects the smile.
Preventing Cavities
To help protect your children, first cut back on how many sugary or starch-rich snacks they consume. Make sure they don’t nap or fall asleep at night with a bottle of milk or a sippy cup of juice, as this coats the teeth in sugars for bacteria to break down. Help them brush and floss daily, make sure they attend their six-month exams and cleanings, and if they play sports, provide a mouthguard to protect little teeth for injury. These actions help prevent tooth decay and improve oral health, and instill good habits that will benefit them in their teen and adult years too. If you have any questions about treating childhood tooth decay, or preventing tooth decay from forming, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office About Sleep Apnea
Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX wants to help your children enjoy strong and healthy smiles. To find out more about addressing cavities in childhood with prevention or a lifelike composite resin filling, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.