Little teeth face big challenges, and cavities are often one of them! While a tiny spot on your child’s tooth might not seem like much, it could signal early decay that needs attention. Dr. Narineh Panoosian at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics help families tackle cavities early to protect growing smiles and prevent bigger issues down the road. Let’s discuss what causes cavities, how to recognize them, and the steps you can take to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
Cavities develop when a combination of bacteria, diet, and oral hygiene habits create the perfect environment for decay. Dr. Narineh Panoosian, at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, emphasizes the importance of building good oral hygiene habits and choosing healthy snacks to minimize the risk of cavities.
Here are some common causes of cavities in children:
- Plaque Buildup: Bacteria in the mouth consume sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that weaken enamel. Plaque, if left unchecked, hardens into tartar, which can lead to cavities.
- Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Frequent consumption of candy, juice, or starchy snacks fuels cavity-causing bacteria.
- Inconsistent Oral Hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing allows plaque and food debris to build up, increasing the likelihood of decay.
- Thinner Enamel on Baby Teeth: Children’s baby teeth have thinner enamel, making them more susceptible to cavities compared to adult teeth.
For children with orthodontic appliances, Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics works closely with families to maintain proper oral care during treatment. Next, let’s review the signs that might indicate your child has a cavity.
Recognizing the Signs of a Cavity
Cavities often develop silently, making it important to recognize the early signs before they cause bigger problems. Dr. Narineh Panoosian, at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, works with families to identify and address cavities early, ensuring effective treatment and protecting your child’s oral health.
Visible Spots or Holes
Look for white, brown, or black spots on the surface of the tooth. These could indicate the beginning stages of decay or a more advanced cavity.
Sensitivity to Temperature
If your child reacts to hot or cold foods and drinks, it may be a sign of enamel damage caused by decay.
Pain When Chewing
A cavity can make it uncomfortable for your child to bite down or chew, especially if the decay has reached the deeper layers of the tooth.
Persistent Bad Breath
If your child’s breath remains unpleasant even after brushing, it could be a sign of trapped bacteria from a cavity.
Dr. Panoosian recommends regular checkups at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to monitor for these signs and address any concerns early. Next, let’s examine what can happen if cavities are left untreated and why early intervention is so important.
What Happens If Cavities Are Left Untreated?
While a small cavity might not seem like a big deal at first, untreated tooth decay can lead to more serious problems for your child’s oral health. Dr. Narineh Panoosian at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the importance of addressing cavities early to avoid unnecessary complications.
Here’s what can happen if a cavity is left untreated:
- Worsening Decay: Cavities can grow deeper, eventually reaching the inner layers of the tooth, which can cause significant damage and discomfort.
- Infections: Untreated decay can lead to infections, such as abscesses, which may require more advanced dental treatments to resolve.
- Impact on Permanent Teeth: Cavities in baby teeth can influence the health of the developing permanent teeth underneath, leading to potential long-term issues.
- Shifting Teeth: If a severely decayed tooth needs to be removed, the surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, potentially affecting alignment.
Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics partners with Dr. Panoosian and families to safeguard both dental health and proper alignment during treatment. Now, let’s reveal some effective ways to prevent and treat cavities, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy and strong.
Cavity Prevention and Treatment
Dr. Narineh Panoosian at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry provides a variety of options to address cavities and prevent new ones from forming. By combining effective treatments and proactive prevention, your child’s teeth can stay healthy and strong.
Preventive Measures
These strategies help protect your child’s teeth from developing cavities in the first place:
- Sealants: A thin protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of molars and premolars. Sealants block bacteria and food from settling into deep grooves that are difficult to clean, making them an excellent option for newly erupted molars around age six.
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride strengthens enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay. It can even reverse very early-stage decay, stopping cavities before they fully develop.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): While SDF can be used to treat small cavities, it’s also a preventive option to stop early decay from progressing. It’s non-invasive and cost-effective but can cause black staining on treated areas.
Cavity Treatments
When a cavity has already formed, these solutions help restore the tooth’s function and protect it from further damage:
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: Composite material is bonded to the tooth to repair small to medium cavities, creating a natural-looking and durable restoration.
- Crowns for Baby Teeth: For teeth with extensive decay, silver or tooth-colored crowns are placed over the tooth to protect and restore it. Crowns are often the best option when a filling isn’t enough to save the tooth.
- Extractions and Pulp Treatments: For severe decay, treatments like pulpotomies or extractions may be necessary.
Dr. Panoosian and Dr. Matthew McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics personalize each approach to meet your child’s needs and comfort level. By combining prevention and treatment, cavities can be managed effectively while protecting your child’s smile.
From Cavities to Confidence
Cavities don’t have to be a big worry when you know what to look for and how to act. Dr. Narineh Panoosian at Southern Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers expert care, from prevention to treatment, ensuring your child’s teeth stay strong and healthy. Schedule an evaluation appointment today at our Cary office and visit Dr. Panoosian or our orthodontist, Dr. McNutt to keep your child’s teeth cavity-free!