Do Children's Cavities Need to be Filled?

Let's talk about cavities in kids' teeth. If you're a parent, you've probably wondered if it's really worth fixing cavities in baby teeth. After all, they're going to fall out anyway, right? It’s not always that simple, but the timing of when the tooth will fall out is always considered.

It is never as simple as cavity = fix. When Dr. Dan evaluates and makes a recommendation about a cavity, he takes many factors into account such as depth, progression, adjacent teeth, cleansibility and of course expected time for the tooth to fall out. Then he’ll go over pros/cons of every possible option.

Understanding Cavities in Children

Cavities are a common concern for parents, and for good reason. These small areas of tooth decay can cause big problems if left untreated, especially in children. While it might seem unnecessary to fill cavities in baby teeth that will eventually fall out, there are important reasons to address them promptly.

Cavities are caused by a multitude of factors such as oral hygiene, diet and genetics. In general, children are particularly prone to cavities due to their love of sweets and often inconsistent oral hygiene habits. Cavities can affect a child's overall health and well-being, potentially causing issues with eating, speaking, and even learning.

Why Fill Children's Cavities?

Once an examination and evaluation determine a filling would even be beneficial/recommended, filling cavities in children's teeth serves several important purposes:

1. It stops the decay from spreading further into the tooth, preventing painful infections and potential tooth loss.
2. It restores the normal function and shape of the teeth, allowing your child to chew properly and maintain good oral health.
3. It helps keep treatment fast and simple, minimizing the chance of a traumatic dental experience.

In short, taking care of cavities now can prevent more significant health problems in the future. 

The Process of Filling Cavities

“What” we need to do is usually the easy part. “How” we’re going to do it is the most important part when it comes to children. 

At Campfire Smiles, we do everything we can to make a distressing scenario as comfortable and fast as possible for both parent and child! And it all starts with an inviting environment and maybe a little bit of bribery. A favorite movie or TV show and a promise of toys and popsicles go a long way to simply invite a child to sit in a dental chair.

Every scenario has variations but here is an example of steps during a laughing gas treatment appointment:

1. Yummy smelling laughing gas nose - strawberry, grape, bubblegum?!
2. Not so tasty but ever-so-effective-custom-pharmacy-compounded numbing jelly
3. Singing, dancing, and distraction for the “he who shall not be named,” “s” “h” “o” “t”
4. Well earned break to enjoy the movie! (While we wait for the numbing to take full effect)
5. Mermaid tail/Jellyfish! A soft plastic floppy thing that keeps the child’s mouth open, blocks their tongue from yucky tastes or sharp instruments, all while providing a consistent suction so that water or spit does not build up!
6. Lots of water! We’re just washing a tooth to get rid of cavity bugs!
7. Shining a pretty blue light then making the tooth shiny and pretty!
8. Popsicles!!

At Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize making this experience as stress-free as possible for your child. 

Preventing Cavities in Children

While treating cavities is crucial, prevention is always better. Here are some effective ways to protect your child's teeth:

• Encourage regular brushing and flossing
• Limit sticky, sugary foods and drinks
• Schedule regular dental check-ups
• Consider preventive measures such as dental sealants

Instilling good oral hygiene habits early on will benefit your child well into adulthood.

Discover Amazing Pediatric Dental Care in Colorado Springs

At Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of addressing cavities in children promptly and effectively. Our team, led by Dr. Dan Hoang, is committed to providing top-notch pediatric dental care in a warm and friendly environment. If you suspect your child has a cavity or if it's time for their regular dental check-up, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (719) 490-8881. We're here to help your child achieve and maintain a healthy smile!