When your children complain about aching teeth, or tooth sensitivity when they eat or drink, this could point to the presence of an oral health issue. Cavities could mean a greater risk of an infected tooth or even a painful abscess unless treated. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists discuss what we can do to treat cavities in little smiles, and how to prevent tooth decay with routine homecare.
Causes of a Toothache
In some cases, a toothache could be a short-lived issue that will pass with time. For example, aches could form as a result of allergy or sinus issues, or even riding in an airplane or visiting a location at a higher elevation. Cold temperatures could cause aches and sensitivity as well! But discomfort caused by these factors will stop after a few hours. If your child complains about pain or sensitivity after 48 hours, this could indicate a cavity or infection that needs immediate attention. A cavity forms when the outer layers of enamel become compromised, either through injury or poor oral hygiene. Bacteria then reach the inner layers of dentin, which are sensitive and porous, causing a cavity to form. As the cavity grows and spreads, discomfort worsens and the risk of infection increases!
Treating Cavities in Baby Teeth
Don’t wait for an aching baby tooth to fall out. Depending on the age of your child, months or even years could pass before the tooth would fall out naturally. Once the decay becomes an infection, the tooth may need to be removed. The premature loss of a baby tooth increases the risk of misalignment, as the permanent teeth begin to erupt prematurely and don’t have certain teeth to guide them in place. In order to treat the cavities and prevent complications, we will offer a filling. We place the restoration in a single visit, removing the decay and shading the metal-free blend of glass and acrylic to ensure the filling looks natural.
Keeping Smiles Free of Aches and Sensitivity
We can also discuss preventive care to help protect little smiles from cavities. For example, make time to help your child brush twice a day, once in the morning and again before going to bed. Be sure they floss every night before going to bed, and cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Every six months, bring your little one in for an exam and a dental cleaning.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO ABOUT CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team will offer quality preventive care and restorations for smiles of all ages. If you have questions about children’s dentistry, or if you want to set up an appointment, you can reach our East El Paso dental practice on 10039 Dyer St., at 915-859-7000!