The Importance of Early Cavity Treatment for Kids
Many parents neglect early cavity treatment for kids, as they may feel that it is not essential because the child’s teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, anyway. However, diagnosing and treating cavities in kids as early as possible is incredibly important. In this review, we discuss the reasons that early cavity treatment for kids is vital and the various treatment options that are available.
What parents should know about early cavity treatment for kids
Parents have the responsibility of helping their children protect their oral health. Although the focus is on the prevention of cavities, the fact remains that cavities can still form (and children are at greater risk for them). When cavities develop, it is crucial to promptly identify the signs and seek treatment from a licensed pediatric dentist.
What are the signs of childhood cavities?
The signs of a childhood cavity depend on the severity. In the early stages, the signs are less noticeable. For this reason, parents must check the health of their child’s teeth often. Children may not know the best way to communicate symptoms like tooth sensitivity. The signs parents should keep a close eye out for are:
- Enamel discoloration
- Holes in the teeth
- Teeth sensitivity
- Toothache/pain
- Dark spots
- Swollen gums
If a tooth has a severe cavity that extends toward the root of the tooth, the signs and symptoms may quickly become more severe. Severe pain, a tooth infection, and swollen gums may occur.
What are the different early cavity treatment options?
The recommended pediatric treatment option depends on the severity of the cavity. The earlier that a pediatric dentist can diagnose a cavity, the less invasive (and less costly) the treatment usually is. Notably, the different types of cavity treatments for kids include:
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Onlays and inlays
- Baby root canal
- Tooth extraction
If the child only has weakened enamel and has not yet developed sizable cavities, fluoride treatment may be all that is necessary. If there is a small to moderate cavity, a dental filling is typically recommended. For more severe cavities, such as those that extend toward the root of the tooth, a baby root canal procedure followed by the placement of a dental crown may be in order. In rare cases where the tooth cannot be saved, a tooth extraction may be the only viable solution.
What are the risks of not treating early childhood cavities?
Childhood cavities are likely to worsen without treatment, leading to unnecessary pain and sensitivity that can easily be prevented through early cavity treatment. Additionally, children with childhood cavities are more prone to alignment concerns once their permanent teeth start to replace their primary teeth. This can lead to an increased need for orthodontic services.
Contact our dental practice today for early cavity treatment for kids
Are you searching for a pediatric dentist for your child? Whether your child has a cavity that needs treatment or is simply due for their next check-up and cleaning visit, we are here to help. Contact us today to receive answers to your questions and schedule a consultation visit with our pediatric dental team.
Request an appointment here: https://parksidepediatricdentists.com or call Parkside Pediatric Dentists at (925) 504-4011 for an appointment in our Concord office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Concord, CA.
Related Posts
Pediatric dentists need pediatric dentistry tools to examine and treat their young patients. A child’s mouth has a simple environment. Basic pediatric dentistry tools can help the dentist perform oral examinations. If you are going to bring your child to a dental exam for the first time, here are the pediatric dentistry tools to expect.This…
Dental sealants can improve your child’s pediatric dental health. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are important. Primary teeth act as guides for the emergence of adult teeth. If you want to know how pediatric dental sealants can protect your child’s teeth against cavities, here are the details.Pediatric dentists paint a liquid sealant on…
Starchy foods often lead to damages from cavities. Children love to eat. Diet seems to play a significant role in a child’s dental health. Telling your child not to eat sweets is only half the battle. The real targets are starchy foods. If you want to find out some pediatric dentistry information regarding starchy foods,…
Your pediatric dentist can answer your questions about pacifier use and thumb-sucking. All newborns need to suck. It is an instinctive behavior for feeding. For some infants, sucking is calming and soothing. This adorable behavior can use thumbs or pacifiers. If you want to know more about pacifier use and thumb-sucking, here are some questions…