What Happens When Your Kid Has A Cavity?

cleveland kids cavities

When your child has a toothache, or if we find a cavity during a routine dental exam, then treatment could help prevent infection or tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will discuss how we address cavities with lifelike fillings, and the preventive treatments we could offer to help safeguard little smiles.

The Causes of Tooth Decay

How does a child develop a cavity? When children don’t brush and floss daily, they fail to remove particles from the foods and drinks they’ve consumed. This is why even babies and toddlers need their teeth cleaned daily, and shouldn’t nap or sleep with a bottle of juice or milk. As bacteria break down the particles, this coats the teeth in plaque, a buildup that could weaken and erode enamel to cause cavities. In addition, if a tooth is injured, this could damage the enamel and expose sensitive inner tissues to bacteria, causing cavities to develop. When your children have tooth decay, this causes white spots, or darkened areas, and could lead to tooth sensitivity and toothaches. Let us know right away if this happens!

Treatment with a Filling

We could offer treatment in only one visit with a dental filling. When your child sits down, we will administer a local anesthetic to ensure he or she is comfortable. If your kids have anxiety or special needs, we could also discuss sedation options. We then remove all decay from the tooth and clean it thoroughly. The filling material is applied and then cured under a light while the dentist sculpts the tooth. The last step is to polish the tooth thoroughly. The material we use is metal free and safe for all ages, we can even shade it to blend seamlessly with the tooth!

Prevention with Fluoride and More

We also help families avoid tooth decay with preventive measures. For example, during each checkup visit we could apply fluoride varnish to the teeth to strengthen the outer enamel. We could also discuss dental sealants, which involve coating the rear teeth in a special acrylic coating. This helps prevent food from becoming stuck between the teeth, and the layers could stay in place for up to ten years, preventing cavities for years to come. We also help with a dental cleaning, in which we remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. If you have any questions, or want to schedule a visit for your child, then give us a call today.

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Treatment?

We want to help kids of all ages enjoy good oral health. If you would like to learn more about how we help kids avoid discomfort from tooth decay, 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.