At Country Club Dental in Flagstaff, we love kids. We’ve helped countless children maintain excellent oral health. Many kids associate going to the dentist with pain, boredom, and other unpleasant emotions. And we understand that as a parent, this may make you more reluctant to bring your children to the dentist. In today’s post, we’ll talk about why dental hygiene and treating cavities in kids are so important.
What Is a Cavity?
Cavities, or dental caries, are holes that develop in teeth due to plaque buildup. The plaque adheres to the tooth and eventually starts eating through it. The result? Varying degrees of decay and discomfort.
How Did My Child Get a Cavity?
Cavities are more common in kids than in adults. And this makes sense—kids are not as well-versed in dental hygiene as their parents. Plus, they have more of a taste for sugar and other unhealthy treats.
If the dentist finds a cavity in your child’s mouth, don’t blame yourself. Studies show that almost half the kids in the country develop cavities in their baby teeth. It’s not a matter of how the cavity got there—it’s a matter of treating it.
Do Cavities in Kids Need to Be Treated?
Some parents are under the impression that their kid’s cavities don’t need to be filled. “It’s a baby tooth, so it’ll fall out anyway. What’s the point?” However, for kids past toddler age, they DO need to be filled. Untreated cavities in kids lead to further decay, which increases the damage in the mouth. Before long, problems will develop, and more painful and expensive procedures will likely be necessary.
It’s extremely important for kids—and their parents—to know that putting off having a cavity filled is a bad idea. While it’s not always fun to get cavities filled, it’s essential.
What Happens When You Don’t Treat a Cavity?
Whether it’s affecting a baby tooth or an adult tooth, a cavity needs to be filled as soon as possible. The longer it’s there, the more havoc it will wreak on your child’s mouth. Untreated cavities pave the way for:
- Abscesses. Abscesses occur when bacteria breaks through all three layers of a tooth. It creates pus inside and surrounding the tooth. The condition requires a root canal to be fixed.
- Tooth loss. The decay may become so severe that a child’s teeth will fall out. Alternatively, advanced decay may warrant a tooth extraction. You may think this isn’t a big deal in a baby tooth. However, the premature loss of baby teeth can keep healthy permanent teeth from growing in the right spot. This can lead to adult teeth that aren’t lined up properly, which may require expensive orthodontic work later in your child’s life.
- Gum disease. Plaque buildup causes gum damage as well. Cavities and periodontal disease are often correlated. Gums surrounding rotting teeth will pull away, and periodontal abscesses may form.
Dentist Anxiety in Kids
It’s normal for kids to experience trepidation before a dentist appointment. Here are some of our tips if your child has anxiety about going to the dentist:
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office
- Read books with them about going to the dentist
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences
Plan a fun activity for when you get home, like a game or trip to the park. Focus on teaching your child that dentists aren’t scary—they’re here to help!
5 Tips on How to Keep Cavities Away
Cavities may be common in kids, but there are easy ways to prevent them:
- Frequent brushing and flossing
- Regular check-ups and cleanings
- Limited access to sugar
- Fluoride products/treatments
- Dental Sealants
Family Dentist in Flagstaff
Country Club Dental is proud to provide your whole family with excellent dental care. Bring your child in as soon as possible after their third birthday so that we can begin preventative care. We are passionate about starting children on the path to a lifetime of good dental hygiene.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/3/21). Image by Fernanda Greppe on Unsplash.
