We, at Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, take pride in providing our young patients with quality preventive services to keep their teeth healthy and free from disease. If, however, your child develops a cavity, we may recommend restoring the affected tooth using a dental filling. With our extensive skill, experience, and gentle approach, you can trust that your child’s smile is in capable hands.

How Do Cavities Develop?

Tooth decay results from the breakdown of the hard, outer protective coat of the tooth called the enamel. Bacteria feed on sugars and starches left in your child’s mouth, resulting in the production of acids, which, combined with bacteria, food debris, and saliva, form a sticky substance called plaque. If your little one does not remove the plaque through brushing, flossing, and periodic dental cleanings, repeated exposure to the acids will begin to erode the enamel and result in holes called cavities. Tooth grinding and clenching can also leave your child’s enamel vulnerable to decay.

Cavity Repair

We typically repair cavities using dental fillings. The procedure involves removing the damaged parts of your child’s decayed tooth and filling the hole with a dental filling material. Leaving tooth decay untreated can harm your child’s oral health. The condition can continue to progress and cause damage, potentially requiring more involved treatments down the road. That’s why we recommend scheduling your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to identify any early signs of tooth decay when easiest and most comfortable to treat.

When Are Dental Fillings Necessary?

As your child’s mouth grows and develops, it’s important to maintain healthy primary teeth while waiting for the permanent teeth to erupt. The teeth and tongue play significant roles in learning how to speak. The tiny pearly whites affect the ability to chew properly, which contributes to the tongue and jaw muscle development. Moreover, baby teeth help maintain the needed space for the permanent teeth that will eventually come in.

Premature loss of a primary tooth often results in the neighboring teeth shifting into the gap, which can result in crooked adult teeth or a crowded mouth that will likely require orthodontic treatment down the road. Most importantly, restoring a child’s decayed tooth prevents infections, complications, and a host of oral health problems.

How To Take Care of Teeth with Dental Fillings

After having the filling placed, you need to encourage your child to maintain proper oral hygiene practices. The best way to keep those little chompers healthy is to make sure your child brushes and flosses every day. Also, remember to schedule your child’s periodic dental exams and cleanings twice a year at Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry. We will monitor your child’s oral health and development and recommend any needed preventive or restorative treatments to ensure long-term healthy smiles.

Dental Fillings in Glendale, AZ

Visit Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about restoring cavities using dental fillings. We are committed to providing our young patients with quality, comfortable care at our kid-friendly facility. We are all about maintaining happy, healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!