It can be alarming to learn that your child has a cavity or multiple cavities. But rest assured, proper treatment can cure and even prevent tooth decay in children. As a responsible parent, it is essential to educate yourself about the different treatments available for tooth decay so you can make the best decision for your child’s dental health. At Cin Dental in Sterling, Virginia, we have a variety of treatments to help treat tooth decay in children! To help our patients fully understand what tooth decay is and how parents can help their children, we will discuss the treatments available for tooth decay in children and tips on how to prevent tooth decay.
Causes of Tooth Decay in Children
Three major culprits cause tooth decay: bacteria, sugar, and acid. As bacteria feed on the sugar in our child’s diet, it produces acid that can destroy tooth enamel. Over time, this process wears away at the tooth’s enamel, leaving cavities behind. A great way to combat this is to encourage healthy eating habits and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Another factor that contributes to tooth decay is poor oral hygiene. Inadequate tooth brushing can cause plaque build-up, leading to bacteria growth. Establishing good oral hygiene habits, such as proper brushing techniques and daily flossing, can go a long way in preventing tooth decay in children.
Treatments for Tooth Decay
Parents must be on the lookout for the initial signs of tooth decay in their children, which usually takes the form of white spots on the teeth. When detected at this early stage, Dr. Ali Mualla or Dr. Nabi can suggest the best treatments to help reverse the decay. A filling or crown may be necessary to repair the damage in more advanced cases. Treatments we provide include:
Fluoride Treatment
The most common treatment for tooth decay in children is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen and protect teeth from decay. The treatment involves the application of fluoride varnish or gel to the affected teeth. The fluoride strengthens the weakened enamel and helps to prevent further decay.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Cavities are holes in the teeth that can cause pain and discomfort. We make a high-quality composite material filling that matches the tooth’s color. The dentist drills out the decay and fills the cavity with the composite filling, restoring the tooth’s structure and function.
Dental Crowns
For more severe tooth decay, dental crowns might be necessary. A dental crown is a cap that fits over the entire tooth, protecting it from further erosion and improving its appearance. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and places the crown over the remaining healthy part.
Root Canal
If the tooth decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal might be necessary. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and the infected pulp. The remaining space is filled with a special material, and the tooth is covered with a crown to protect it.
Tooth Extraction
In rare cases where the decay is too severe, tooth extraction may be necessary. It is essential to avoid tooth decay as much as possible to avoid tooth extraction.
Tooth Decay in Children in Sterling, VA
Tooth decay in children can be treated and prevented with dental care. As parents, we must teach our children good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and limiting sugary drinks and foods. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to catch and treat tooth decay early. With these preventive measures and knowledge of the available treatments for tooth decay, we can ensure our children’s dental health for a lifetime.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali Mualla and Dr. Nabi at Cin Dental today!
