Preventing & Treating Cavities in Young Children

Since baby teeth are only temporary, you might be tempted to think a cavity in a baby tooth isn’t a big deal. But that’s a temptation you should resist. Childhood cavities, also called caries, carry their own set of risks, all of which point to the importance of good oral care in even the youngest kids.

You can start even before your child’s first tooth comes in, and eventually move on to supervising when your child is old enough to brush and floss by themselves. Not only will this help to instill lifelong good dental habits, it also sets up their permanent teeth for a cavity-free existence. More than half of children have had at least one cavity by age 8, and people who had cavities as kids are more likely to get them as adults, so it’s well worth your time to prevent your child from becoming part of that 50%-plus.

The Effects of Cavities in Baby Teeth

Baby teeth may come with an expiration date, but they still serve a valuable purpose, helping with chewing and speaking. A sufficiently severe cavity may result in the loss of the tooth, and even though that tooth was going away sooner or later, its absence may cause its permanent replacement to grow in wrong. Cavities can also result in pain, infection and eating problems, and they can develop into serious – even life-threatening – long-term consequences if left entirely untreated.

Signs of a Cavity

Some of the indications of a cavity in a child’s tooth are visual: white spots on the teeth, darkening or light brown coloration of the tooth in general, visible holes. Pain, swelling, crying, fussiness, lethargy, avoidance of food and tooth sensitivity – especially with sweet or cold foods – are also possible signs. Difficulty eating or chewing and a bump on the gums next to the tooth in question are signs of more serious issues, as are increased pain, swelling or fever, and may necessitate immediate medical attention.

What Causes Cavities?

On the most basic level, cavities are caused by a combination of acid, bacteria, foods and saliva. This combination eventually becomes plaque on the teeth if not sufficiently cleaned, allowing the acids to damage the enamel of teeth.

Foods to Watch Out for

Sugars and starches become acids inside the mouth, and that acid breaks down the tooth’s outer layer and leads to cavities. Some of the most common suspects include:

• Bread
• Cake
• Candy
• Cereal
• Chips
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Ice cream
• Juice
• Milk
• Raisins
• Soda

Additional Risk Factors

Of course, most people know that sugary foods and inadequate brushing create conditions that increase the odds of a cavity. But there’s much more to the picture than your child’s candy intake. Other issues that make cavities more likely include:

• Drinking water with low levels of fluoride, or no fluoride at all
• Transfer of saliva and mouth bacteria from an adult, such as through eating utensils or cups
• Naturally high bacteria levels in the mouth
• Naturally soft tooth enamel
• Low saliva production
• Frequent snacking
• Juice or formula in a nighttime bottle, which allows acid to sit in the mouth overnight

Reinforcing Good Oral Health Habits

You should start brushing your children’s teeth as soon as they have them – and even before that happens, you can wipe their gums with a soft cloth to keep them clean. Most children don’t grasp all the finer points of brushing until they’re age 6 or so, so once you’re done brushing for them, it’s worth your time to supervise to ensure they do a good job (and don’t swallow too much toothpaste). Outside of the bathroom, it’s a good idea to transition from a bottle or sippy cup to a regular cup as early as feasible, to prevent liquid from pooling around teeth.Besides that, the same principles apply to kids as apply to adults: Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, including the tongue and gums as well as the teeth. Floss daily – some recommend flossing before brushing as being more effective – and come in to the dentist for a routine cleaning and checkup every six months.

Less Cavity-Prone Sweet Foods

For those kids whose sweet tooth results in frequent encounters with cavity-causing foods – and there are certainly a lot of such kids! – there are alternatives that satisfy that urge for something sweet without being packed with sugar. Some of the options are:

• Applesauce (unsweetened)
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Carrots with dip
• Cheese sticks
• Dried fruit (no sugar added)
• Frozen bananas
• Granola bars
• Raspberries
• Trail mix
• Yogurt

Treatment of a Cavity

Sometimes, even kids who are very diligent about brushing and flossing end up with cavities anyway. Usually, these circumstances call for a restoration, commonly known as a filling; the procedure can be performed on children as young as age 1 or 2. In a restoration, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth with a drill, then fills the hole with one of several possible materials. Generally speaking, there are two types of restorations:

• Completed in one visit, with tooth-colored material made of silver, resin, acrylic acid or fine glass powder.

Further Treatment Options

If the decay is significant enough to require extraction, the dentist will usually put in a space maintainer to ensure permanent teeth grow in as they should. Decay that’s very close to a nerve may necessitate a root canal procedure. On the other hand, very minor cavities may be solved with a fluoride varnish, which can repair enamel and reduce decay if it’s caught early. Fluoride varnish – as well as dental sealants and fluoride supplements – may also be a preventative solution in areas without fluoridated water.

Because children are generally not enthusiastic about having a dental drill in their mouths, the dentist may give them nitrous oxide before administering a numbing injection. General anesthesia may be used for very young or restless children, or those with multiple cavities.

Come to Us with Your Cavity Concerns

If you’re worried that your child may have a cavity, the best thing you can do is catch it early. Reach out to us at Springfield Dental Group, and we can schedule an appointment to check for cavities. We’ll look at your child’s dental history, perform an oral exam and take X-rays as needed to search for any potential problems. Then we can move forward with whatever treatment we agree is appropriate – and keep your child’s smile looking great while they wait for those permanent teeth!