When children complain about aching in their teeth, or if they develop a cavity, you should let us know right away. Treatment from your El Paso, TX, dentists can help ensure they continue to enjoy healthy smiles and avoid serious complications, including infections or even prematurely lost teeth. In order to treat a cavity, we will provide a lifelike minimal restoration.
Protecting Kids from Cavities
Children are especially susceptible to cavities throughout this time of year, when between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other winter holidays, the consumption of sugary foods and drinks is encouraged. When little ones consume lots of sugar, harmful bacteria break down the particles caught on and between the teeth. In the process, the teeth become coated in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. Over time, plaque weakens and erodes the outer enamel and allows harmful bacteria to reach the inner dentin, which is porous and sensitive. A cavity then forms, causing discomfort and growing more severe until the tooth becomes infected or even lost. Don’t even think about ignoring a cavity in a baby tooth, as the decay could cause the tooth to be prematurely lost and increases the risk of dental misalignment as a result!
Minimal Dental Restorations
If we discover a cavity is the cause of your child’s toothache, or if you bring him or her in for regular checkups and we identify decay in a very early stage, we will remove the decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean the smile. Next, we prepare and place a composite resin material, which is metal-free and can be shaded to match the color of the tooth. We shape the tooth as we cure the composite resin under a light. Finally, we polish the tooth. In one visit, we can repair tooth decay and return the tooth to optimal health, beauty, and function!
Preventive Measures
We can discuss dental sealants and fluoride treatments to help strengthen little smiles and lower the risk of decay. We can also clean the teeth every six months to completely remove all plaque and tartar from their smiles. At home, you can help by making sure your little ones brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste for about two minutes. Kids also need to floss thoroughly before going to bed as well. Finally, try to limit sugar intake and encourage healthier snacking! If you have any questions, the contact our team today.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO ABOUT KIDS DENTISTRY
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we would like to help your little ones enjoy healthy smiles. If you have questions about children’s dentistry, then you can reach our East El Paso dental practice on 10039 Dyer St., at 915-859-7000!