Dental fillings treat cavities, which are areas of decay in teeth. Cavities can happen to anyone at any age, and fillings are common for treating the issue. However, you may be wondering as a parent if children should even get fillings. Since your child’s baby teeth eventually fall out, it may seem counter-intuitive to get a filling in a tooth that will not be there for long. However, there are negative impacts of leaving a cavity untreated in your child’s mouth. The good news is that dentists can treat cavities with fillings in baby teeth just as they can in permanent teeth.
Children and Cavities
As a parent, your child’s health is of paramount concern. Cavities may seem like a worrisome issue as you want to ensure your child is in tip-top shape. However, fillings are very common among children, so you don’t need to beat yourself up. Research has shown that cavities affect 60-90% of school-aged children.
Without treatment, dental decay can worsen and lead to more serious health issues. Problems caused by cavities can lead to things like mouth pain, dental infections, tooth loss, damage to permanent teeth, and even disrupted speech development. With that, it is important to take cavities seriously and ensure your child is treated as soon as possible. This is because research shows that early childhood cavities are a predictor of poor oral health-related issues later on in life.
It has even shown that poor oral health in children is correlated to lower grades and missed school days. Early detection and prevention are the best ways to ensure your child stays healthy.
Dental Fillings
If your child has a cavity, a dentist can easily treat it with a filling. A small drill is used to remove the infected area. The dentist will then fill the hole with material to seal up the area. There are various types of fillings, and your dentist can advise you on what’s best for your child. The filling helps rebuild the tooth structure to function normally. This helps prevent further tooth decay. Fillings may seem scary to your child, but the procedure is fast and relatively pain-free.
Prevention Methods
A good oral health routine is one of the best prevention methods for cavities. Depending on your child’s age, their routine may be different. However, talk with your dentist to see what they advise. Most dentists recommend that you bring your child to the dentist when their first tooth erupts. Dentists also recommend that you transition your baby from a bottle to a cup when they turn one to prevent tooth decay from bottles. Children of each age are different to is it best to talk to a pediatric dentist in Encino for what’s best for your child.
Once they are older, much of their routine will be similar to yours, so you can include them in on having a good oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. In addition to brushing, floss at least twice a day. Attending regular dental checkups every six months (or more if necessary) is vital to your child’s oral health.
Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Fillings
If you think your child may have a cavity and need a dental filling, contact Dr. Marian Yassa from Encino Family Dental. She is a highly educated and experienced family dentist in Encino and has worked with children for years. She is experienced in pediatric dentistry and dental fillings, so you can be sure that your child’s oral health is in good hands. Even if you are not concerned about cavities or fillings, Encino Family Dental is an excellent place for the entire family. Contact them today for an appointment and learn about how to your children fillings they need!
