A kid-friendly dentist can treat tooth decay in children and prevent more severe issues from developing. It is helpful for parents to understand how a kid-friendly dentist can treat tooth decay, the signs that indicate tooth decay may be developing, and how to prevent future instances of tooth decay.
The best way to deal with tooth decay is to prevent it from developing at all. Of course, this is not always a possibility, especially among children who are often more vulnerable to tooth decay. When tooth decay develops, a kid-friendly dentist can treat it in the least invasive and most effective way possible to preserve the tooth and prevent tooth loss.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is tiny holes in a tooth. They typically result from an acidic reaction that breaks down the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth. Tooth decay is often the result of infrequent or improper brushing and flossing. Certain foods and drinks also contribute to tooth decay, such as sugary and dark beverages (i.e. soda). Tooth decay is not reversible and the purpose of treatment is to fill or cover the damaged portion of the tooth.
Kid-friendly dentists do everything they can to help their patients prevent tooth decay from developing. This primarily includes a consistent oral care routine, which includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily. Kid-friendly dentists may also recommend fluoride treatment or dental sealants to prevent tooth decay from occurring.
Tooth decay in children is most commonly treated with a dental filling. A dental filling involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a substitute material. There are different types of filling materials, some of which are tooth-colored. For more severe instances of tooth decay, the kid-friendly dentist may recommend a baby root canal or tooth extraction.
The signs of tooth decay vary based on the tooth and the location of the decay. It typically begins with discoloration. If detected in the early stages then it can often be treated through fluoride treatment and good oral hygiene. However, after the enamel erodes, it typically leads to more severe symptoms such as tooth sensitivity and requires more extensive treatment.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay. For children, this should include brushing two to three times per day, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash once per day. It is also strongly encouraged for parents to limit their child’s sugar consumption to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Kid Friendly Dentist in Alexandria, VA
To learn more about tooth decay treatment for children, call our team today. The kid-friendly dentist and team can answer questions on the initial call and schedule a consultation to discuss all available treatment options.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
A kid friendly dentist sets your child up for a lifetime of good dental health. Parents should make their children’s oral health a top priority from the moment they’re born. A child’s teeth are fully developed in the womb, it just takes some time after they are born for them to erupt.The American Dental Association…
Pediatric dental services help to keep your child’s developing teeth healthy and help with the early detection of abnormalities. A pediatric dentist performs preventative treatments that help to keep your child’s teeth healthy, and they educate parents and their children about ways they can improve their oral hygiene.Great dental health often starts during childhood. Parents…
Seeing a dentist for kids is an incredibly important childhood activity. Kids' dental care can prevent and stop many oral issues before they become serious or irreversible. Dental treatment for children also helps kids develop good oral hygiene practices which can keep their teeth healthy and strong throughout the remainder of their lives. If, as…
The primary focus of general dentistry is to help patients prevent oral health concerns from ever developing through regular cleaning visits and effective at-home oral hygiene. This article provides insights into how you can protect your teeth and gums through good oral hygiene practices at home between routine dental visits.General dentistry visits are encouraged two…
Fluoride is commonly used in general dentistry to reduce the risk of tooth decay and strengthen enamel that is weakened from acidic attacks that can occur when food particles and bacteria combine in the mouth. This article discusses how and when a general dentist might recommend fluoride for patients.Fluoride can be used for preventive purposes…