WHAT IS A CAVITY?

Simply speaking, a cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by bacteria dissolving away the protective enamel and/or other tooth structures. Enamel is the outermost, white, hard surface of a tooth and dentin is the yellowish layer just beneath enamel. Both layers serve to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the dental pulp (nerve), where blood vessels and nerves reside. Small cavities may not cause pain, and may be unnoticed by the patient. Larger cavities can collect food, and the dental pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins, foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet – causing toothaches, pain, or swelling (abscess). Not all cavities need to be restored. If caught early, the use of fluoride containing toothpastes and gels as well as certain newer dental products can stop the progression of decay or even reverse the decay process.

HOW DO I PREVENT CAVITIES?

Regular visits to the pediatric dentist, along with proper diet and good oral hygiene, can prevent most cavities. Good oral hygiene removes food trapped on teeth as well as bacteria causing decay. A well balanced diet strengthens your body and your immune system lessening, the chances of decay. Regular dental care and examinations allow the pediatric dentist to review diet, oral hygiene and to exam the teeth and gums in an effort to prevent the formation or spread of decay. The use of fluoride and sealants can lessen the chance of decay. Both this office and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommend recurring six month visits to the pediatric dentist beginning within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth or by 1 year of age, whichever comes first. Certain children may need to be seen more or less frequently.

WHAT ARE DENTAL SEALANTS?

 

The chewing surfaces of the back teeth of children are the surface most susceptible to decay. Studies show that 4 out of 5 cavities that develop in children under the age of 15 occur in the back teeth. Dental sealants are designed to protect the chewing services of back teeth. Made of a clear or shaded plastic-type material, sealants are applied to teeth to help keep them cavity free. Even the most diligent child can have trouble cleaning the deep grooves and pits of the back teeth. Food and bacteria can become lodged in these areas, leading to the development of cavities. Sealants “seal out” or fill up the deep grooves and pits of these teeth and prevent food and bacteria from becoming lodged in those areas, thus preventing or reducing the development of cavities. Sealants do not work between the teeth, so flossing remains important to protect those areas from decay.

 

Research shows that sealants can last for many years. Oftentimes, even if a sealant cannot be seen on a tooth, it remains in the grooves and pits thereby protecting the tooth. The child who receives sealants can be protected throughout the most cavity prone years. Sealants last longer on children who maintain good oral hygiene. The pediatric dentist can easily repair or replace a lost or damaged sealant.

Sealants are quickly and comfortably applied in one visit. The tooth is conditioned to receive the sealant, washed and dried; the sealant is applied and cured (hardened) using an ultraviolet lamp. Anesthetic is usually not required. Sealants are very affordable, especially in view of the valuable decay protection they offer to your child. Sealants cost significantly less than most fillings and are often covered by dental insurance.

The teeth at most risk for decay – and therefore most in need of sealants – are the six-year and twelve-year molars. However, any tooth, primary or permanent, with deep grooves or pits may benefit from the protection of sealants.

Sealants are only one step in the plan to keep your child cavity free for life. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are still essential to the maintenance of a bright, healthy smile.

MY CHILD HAS SOME CAVITIES – BUT THEY ARE ON BABY TEETH AND BABY TEETH FALL OUT. WHY DO WE NEED TO FIX THEM?

It is true that primary (baby) teeth are lost and replaced by the permanent teeth but until they are lost the primary teeth serve several important purposes. They hold the space required for the permanent teeth and guide the permanent teeth into position, they allow for proper development of the jaw bones and muscles, they are needed for proper chewing and talking and they are important for proper esthetics. Early extraction of primary teeth may require the placement of a space maintainer, which is an orthodontic appliance designed to maintain the space where the primary tooth was for the permanent tooth. While we will extract teeth if indicated, saving the primary teeth is, in most instances, better than removing them. Please note, some primary teeth are not lost until the child is 12 years of age.

 

 

 

 

Sew a Lost Tooth Pillow

 

 

Print and Color "First Lost Tooth" Certificate

 

 

Print and Color
"Another Lost Tooth" Certificate