Did you know that the most common oral health problem in children is cavities? Even though young and school-aged children have temporary teeth that will fall out at anytime, from months to a year, it’s still important to swiftly treat decay. Read on to learn why fillings are important, even for baby teeth, and how to assess your child’s risk for developing cavities.
How Common are Childhood Cavities?
Baby teeth, also called primary and temporary teeth, are the first set of pearly whites that erupt into your little one’s mouth, usually beginning between six and 10 months of age. However, as soon as they emerge, your child’s risk of developing cavities also heightens. In fact, dental decay is a big concern in both temporary and permanent teeth, estimated to impact one in five children between five and 11 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Do Baby Teeth Need Fillings?
Even though your child may have baby teeth still, if their pediatric dentist in Hinsdale recommends a tooth-colored filling, you should take it just as seriously as you would if they had all permanent teeth. This is because baby teeth act as space holders for their permanent ones, which are lying in wait to emerge through their gums as soon as their baby teeth fall out.
If decay is left unchecked, it’s possible for it to impact their permanent teeth, cause discomfort, and lead to premature loss of their temporary teeth, which can increase their chances of orthodontic issues down the road. The good news is that fillings are a minimally invasive treatment, and your child’s pediatric dentist will be gentle, efficient, and thorough.
What’s the Process of Getting a Pediatric Dental Filling?
If your child needs a filling, trust your pediatric dentist when they let you know that there’s nothing you should feel guilty about! Cavities can develop for a number of reasons, and when you agree to treat the issue early, that’s oftentimes the best decision you can make for their oral and overall health!
The treatment is simple and quick. First, their pediatric dentist will make sure they’re comfortable by applying a numbing gel to the area that will be treated, being sure to describe what will happen next along each step of the way to help them feel comfortable. Then, the dentist will clear away any decayed dental structure and fill it with a tooth-colored composite resin. After shaping it and making sure the bite is even, the resin will be cured and hardened, allowing it to last until your child’s temporary tooth falls out naturally!
If you have any concerns about the process or your child’s oral health, feel free to ask the pediatric dentist! Their top priority is to help you, as a parent or guardian, feel comfortable and confident in your decision to move forward with treatment.
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team is led by five highly knowledgeable and board-certified pediatric dentists, many of whom are moms themselves! Offering comprehensive dentistry for children as young as infants, all the way up until 18 years old, our team is dedicated to helping growing smiles thrive. To learn more about tooth-colored fillings or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 630-504-2223.