Childhood is full of many firsts. Some can be exciting, while others can be scary. Your child’s first cavity can feel like a scary thing, but childhood cavities are actually quite common. We’re here to walk you through the process and help you ensure that your child’s smile gets the best care.
What is a Cavity?
If you’re faced with your child’s first cavity, you and your child might be feeling a lot of emotions. It can help to understand what a cavity is so that you can talk with your child about it in terms they can easily process.
A cavity is simply a hole that forms in the outermost surface (called the enamel) of a tooth. The hole is usually very tiny, in fact it may be difficult to see it just by looking at it. Your dentist might show you an x-ray to help you see where the cavity is and how it’s affecting the tooth.
How Do Cavities Form?
A number of things can lead to cavities. Some of the most common causes include a buildup of bacteria or plaque in a difficult-to-clean area, such as between two teeth, or exposure to sugary foods and drinks.
How are Cavities Treated?
Your child’s first cavity can feel like a big deal, but rest assured that we help restore children’s teeth nearly every day. With the specialized care of a pediatric dentist, having a cavity filled is typically a simple, comfortable, and positive experience.
Before the cavity is filled, the dentist will numb the area. They will then remove the damaged part of the tooth and clean the area of the tooth that is affected by the cavity. After that, they will fill the tooth, usually with a composite material that blends in with the natural tooth so you won’t even notice a cavity was there.
Talking About Cavities
When your child visits the dentist, it’s a good opportunity to talk with your child’s dentist about cavities and how to prevent them. Your child’s dentist can demonstrate how to care for difficult-to-clean areas of your child’s teeth and help you come up with a plan to keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong.
Call our Avondale, Gilbert or Mesa dental office, to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.