My Toddler Has Cavities? What Should I Do?

Most children are at high risk of getting cavities, and that’s because of their poor diet, lack of proper hygiene, and weak enamel. Tooth decay can also be a result of genetics or certain germs.

Many parents don’t know what to do if their toddler has cavities. We will look at some common things about cavities and what you can do to treat or prevent cavities in kids.

What Causes Cavities in Toddlers

Cavities are also known as tooth decay. When bacteria accumulate with time, it creates an acid that eats away the tooth enamel leaving small holes. The holes left behind are known as cavities.

Below are some causes of tooth decay:

• Brushing habits. Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque buildup, so as a parent, failure to brush your toddlers’ teeth properly can result in cavities.
• Poor diet. Consuming sugary foods frequently or in large amounts can cause acid to build up, weakening the tooth enamel.
• Some children have a higher risk of tooth decay due to genetic factors such as weak enamel, tooth shape, or low saliva production.
• Bottle use. Toddlers who use bottles to drink juice, or as pacifiers, or fall asleep with bottles are more likely to develop cavities.

Now let’s see what signs and symptoms your child may give off if they have a cavity.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cavity

When brushing or flossing your toddlers’ teeth, create a habit of examining their teeth. That helps you to point out any changes and take them to a general dentist in St. Catharines if you have concerns.

Be on the look for the following:

• The tooth may have chalky white spots
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Tooth discolorations that appear light brown
• Fussiness or crying
• Mouth swelling
• Tooth pain
• Pain in the surrounding tooth area

If your toddler is experiencing the following, seek medical attention immediately, increased swelling or pain, pus coming out of the tooth, fever, and other infection signs or trouble chewing or eating.

What to Do If Your Toddler Has Cavities?

If you notice that your toddler has tooth decay, you should take them to see a children’s dentist in St. Catharines. The dentist will provide various options to treat your kids’ cavities. Some of the options may include:

Dental filling

Fillings are materials that fill up the hole in the tooth to prevent further damage. There are various types of fillings, and they include amalgam, acrylic, or composite resin.

The treatment usually takes a single appointment with the dentist in St. Catharines. Before the procedure, the dentist gives your kid local anesthesia to numb their gums and teeth. You can also consult the dentist about sedation if you want to improve your child’s comfort during the procedure.

Crown

The dentist may recommend a crown if the decay is severe. However, placing the crown over the tooth requires one visit because, in children, the crown comes in pre-formed sizes.

The dentist may recommend extraction in situations where the tooth incurs severe damage or gets an infection. However, if it comes to removing the tooth, the dentist will place a space maintainer in the gap to keep it open until the adult teeth pop out.

At Girardi Dental, we provide various services, including dental fillings, fluoride treatments, tooth extractions, sealants, and so much more. Call us today.

Cavity Prevention

There are several ways to lower your child’s risk of developing cavities. Some of them include:

• Practice good oral hygiene.

Teach your toddler how to clean their teeth daily; if they are too young, you can help them brush their teeth. Also, ensure they use toothpaste that has fluoride.

When brushing, it’s good to brush in circles, and don’t forget to brush your child’s gum gently. It helps to prevent buildup. It’s also good to floss their teeth once each day.

• Avoid certain foods

Feed your child foods that reduce their risk of cavities, and try to avoid certain foods. Some foods are good for preventing cavities; they include calcium-rich foods, bacteria-fighting foods, and foods high in protein and vitamin C. Examples include yogurt, carrots, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, oranges, and apples.

• Use fluoride

Fluoride strengthens the enamel, and that helps to prevent cavities. A toothpaste containing fluoride is efficient in preventing decay. In addition, the dentist may recommend fluoride varnishes as a form of preventive care.