Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues among children. In fact, cavities affect nearly half of children between the ages of 2 and 11. To treat cavities, we use dental fillings to halt the decay from damaging teeth any further. When a tooth develops a cavity, a small hole or pit forms on the surface of the enamel.
This happens when bacteria produce acids in the mouth. With dental fillings, our SmileCity Pediatric Dentistry team can restore the structure of the tooth to prevent further decay. Our office also provides additional pediatric dental services to new and existing patients in Leesburg, Virginia.
Dental Fillings in Leesburg, VA
The process of getting a dental filling for your child typically has several steps. Before we even start the filling, Dr. Mark and Dr. SK will examine their teeth. Our team may use digital x-rays or scans to see the full extent of the decay to see what treatment to use. We also want to make sure your child is comfortable during the procedure. So, we will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth.
Next, we need to remove the decay from their tooth. Dr. Mark and Dr. SK will use a dental drill or other instrument to get rid of the decayed portion of the tooth. We will also need to clean the tooth to make sure there is no bacteria left behind. Then, we will fill the cavity with a filling material.
After we place the filling, Drs. Adabi will shape it to match the natural contours of their tooth. This step helps the tooth blend in with the rest of their smile as well as create a comfortable bite. Finally, we will polish the filling to achieve a smooth surface.
Benefits of Dental Fillings for Kids
Pediatric dental fillings offer several benefits for children’s oral health. To begin, fillings help restore the structure and function of decayed teeth. This allows kids to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. When we seal off the cavity, the fillings prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing more decay.
While baby teeth do eventually fall out, they play a crucial role in chewing, speech development, and tooth alignment. If children have issues with the alignment of their baby teeth, it can affect the alignment of their adult teeth. Dental fillings will help preserve baby teeth until they are naturally replaced.
Untreated cavities can lead to toothaches, infections, and even abscesses. This can cause children a lot of pain and discomfort. Fillings get rid of this pain and prevent more serious dental problems.
Concerns About Dental Fillings
Parents may have concerns about the safety and effectiveness of dental fillings for their children. We want to address any of your concerns with the right information.
The dental fillings we use for your children are safe and tested to ensure durability and compatibility with their mouths. Dr. Mark and Dr. SK carefully select the most suitable filling material based on the size and location of the cavity. We also take your child’s age and dental history into account.
Modern dental techniques help reduce any pain during the filling procedure. We strive to create a positive and comfortable experience for children.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems in children. It happens when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars from food and produce acids that attack the tooth enamel.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Children not brushing and flossing properly are more likely to develop tooth decay. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on teeth every day. If not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar and lead to cavities. Parents should teach children to brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth.
2. Too Many Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria in the mouth, causing them to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel. Common culprits include:
- Candy, cookies, and cakes
- Sugary cereals
- Soda and sports drinks
- Fruit juice (especially when consumed in large amounts)
Frequent snacking on sugary foods makes it even worse because the teeth are constantly exposed to acid attacks. Instead, children should eat a balanced diet with healthy snacks like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks also helps prevent decay.
3. Frequent Snacking
When children snack throughout the day, their teeth have less time to recover from acid attacks. Every time they eat, bacteria produce acid for about 20 minutes. If they snack too often, their teeth stay under attack for longer, increasing the risk of cavities. Giving children set meal and snack times, rather than letting them graze all day, helps their teeth stay healthy.
4. Lack of Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. Children who do not get enough fluoride are at a higher risk of cavities. Most tap water contains fluoride, but if a child drinks only bottled water, they may not get enough. Using fluoride toothpaste and getting fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office can help protect their teeth.
5. Bacteria Spread from Parents and Caregivers
Tooth decay is contagious. Bacteria that cause cavities can spread from one person to another through saliva. Parents and caregivers can unknowingly pass these bacteria to children by:
- Sharing utensils
- Cleaning a pacifier with their mouth
- Kissing on the lips
Parents should avoid sharing utensils and practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk.
6. Dry Mouth
Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids in the mouth. A child with a dry mouth is more likely to get cavities. Some common causes of dry mouth in children include:
- Mouth breathing (especially at night)
- Certain medications
- Dehydration
Encouraging children to drink plenty of water and breathe through their noses can help keep their mouths moist and reduce the risk of decay.
7. Delaying Dental Visits
Regular dental checkups allow dentists to catch early signs of decay before they become serious problems. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Routine visits every six months help keep teeth healthy and allow for professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to prevent cavities.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Proper oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular dental visits can help parents protect their children’s teeth from cavities. Teaching children how to care for their teeth early in life sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
1. Encourage Proper Brushing and Flossing
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay. Parents should teach their children to:
- Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. A pea-sized amount is enough for children over three, while younger kids should use just a smear.
- Brush for two minutes to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned.
- Floss once a day to remove food and plaque from between the teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach.
Young children often need help brushing and flossing properly. Parents should assist or supervise brushing until the child can do it effectively, usually around age six or seven.
2. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, parents should:
- Limit candy, cookies, and sugary snacks. Sticky foods, like gummies and dried fruit, are especially harmful because they cling to teeth.
- Choose healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, fresh fruits, and vegetables are better options. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots help clean the teeth naturally.
- Reduce sugary drinks. Soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice expose teeth to sugar and acids. Water and milk are healthier choices.
If children eat sweets, they should brush their teeth or rinse their mouths with water afterward to remove the sugar and acid.
3. Avoid Frequent Snacking
Frequent snacking keeps teeth under constant attack from cavity-causing bacteria. Instead of letting children snack all day, parents should:
- Set specific snack and meal times to give teeth time to recover between eating.
- Offer water instead of juice or soda between meals to prevent sugar exposure.
4. Make Sure They Get Enough Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Parents can ensure their child gets enough fluoride by:
- Using fluoride toothpaste. Even a small amount helps protect teeth.
- Encouraging tap water over bottled water. Most community tap water contains fluoride, while many bottled waters do not.
- Asking the dentist about fluoride treatments. Professional fluoride applications provide extra protection, especially for children at high risk of cavities.
5. Keep Bacteria from Spreading
Tooth decay can spread from person to person. Parents should:
- Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or food with their child.
- Never clean a pacifier by putting it in their own mouth.
- Maintain their own oral hygiene to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria.
6. Prevent Dry Mouth
Saliva helps wash away food and bacteria, protecting teeth from decay. To prevent dry mouth, parents should:
- Encourage their child to drink plenty of water.
- Help them breathe through their nose instead of mouth, especially while sleeping.
- Be aware of medications that cause dry mouth and talk to the dentist if concerned.
7. Schedule Regular Dental Visits
Routine dental checkups help prevent cavities and catch problems early. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children:
- Visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in.
- Have regular checkups every six months for cleanings, exams, and fluoride treatments.
- Consider dental sealants, which are protective coatings that prevent cavities on back teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you think your child may have a cavity and need a dental filling? Call our office or schedule an appointment online.