Children’s Dentistry Helps Kids With Cavities
Children are just as susceptible to tooth decay as adults, and they need special care to keep their smiles healthy and strong. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will explain how we treat cavities in childhood, and the unique preventive treatments we offer to help kids avoid the onset of tooth decay.
Cavities in Childhood
Each tooth is coated in a strong layer of enamel, which protects the teeth. However, poor oral hygiene habits, from sugary foods and drinks to improper brushing and flossing, could create layers of plaque and tartar buildup. These layers weaken and erode the enamel, exposing the sensitive inner tissues to bacteria. Cavities then develop, which begin to cause painful aches and sensitivity. Without treatment, a child could lose a baby tooth prematurely, leading to an increased risk of misalignment.
Preventive Actions
When your child comes in for a checkup and cleaning, we will watch for the earliest signs of demineralization, so we can begin treating cavities before they grow more severe. We also clean the teeth, removing the harmful layers of plaque and buildup. During these same visits, we could apply a fluoride varnish to the teeth, which strengthens the outer enamel. We also have dental sealants. The sealants are a layer of acrylic that we place on the rear teeth, preventing food particles from becoming trapped between them. Kids have trouble reaching the molars when they brush and floss, so these sealants are very helpful. They last for 5 to 10 years on average, and wear away with time.
Lifelike Fillings
What if your child develops a cavity? To prevent infection and premature tooth loss, we could treat it with a filling, just as we do for adults. We start by administering a numbing agent to keep your child comfortable. Next, we remove decay and clean the tooth. We apply the composite resin filling material, which we shade to blend with the tooth, and then cure it under a light. As we do, we sculpt and mild the tooth for a lifelike appearance and balanced bite. The final step involves polishing it. In one visit, we treat the cavity and protect the health of your child’s smile!
If you have any questions about how we treat tooth decay, then contact our team today. We want to help kids of all ages enjoy optimal oral health and a bright smile!
Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?
If you have any questions about our approach to dental care for children, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327. Our team is ready to help your child enjoy a better and healthier smile.