Handling Your Child’s First Dental Cavity

Cavities are the number one chronic condition among children. This is because baby teeth are softer and more vulnerable to dental cavities than adult teeth. It’s easier for bacteria and acid to eat away at your child’s tooth enamel, creating dental cavities. If your child isn’t practicing good at-home oral health habits, their risk of dental cavities increases even more.

There are a few things you should know about dental cavities in order to help your children avoid them and the steps to take if you believe your child may have one.

Signs and Symptoms of a Dental Cavity

The first sign of a dental cavity is usually a chalky white spot on a tooth. As the cavity progresses, this white spot will turn yellow and then brown and will become darker and darker as it deepens. Once the dental cavity has formed, your child may begin to feel discomfort or pain when brushing his or her teeth or eating.

What to Do if You Suspect a Dental Cavity

The first thing to do if you suspect a dental cavity is to contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment for your child. Until your child’s appointment, make sure you’re still brushing your child’s teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. If you’re able to get your child to our office before the white spot progresses, we may be able to prevent the dental cavity from forming at all.

What to Expect at Our Office

If your child is found to have a dental cavity, the decayed part of the tooth will be removed and dental filling material will be used to fill the cavity. It’s important that you know how to properly care for your child’s teeth to prevent future dental cavities from forming. We will provide you with tips on how to avoid decay and keep your child’s mouth healthy!

If your child has suffered a dental cavity, please don’t feel guilty! They are very common among children. Here at Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry, our friendly and helpful staff will put your and your child at ease while making sure to help your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile! To make an appointment, please contact our Greensboro, NC pediatric dental office today.