Most people have heard of cavities, and may have even had a few, but they might not understand exactly what causes them or how they’re treated. At Jacaranda Smiles, we aim not only to maintain oral health, but to educate the patients of Plantation and Pembroke, FL on how to take care of their teeth and gums.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is basically decay in the tooth. Early stages of the development of a cavity may not be noticeable, but as it grows, you may start to notice:
- A toothache or a dull pain
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Visible holes in the teeth
How do you get a cavity?
Plaque is a sticky film that continually forms in the mouth. It is comprised of leftover food particles and saliva in the mouth and it contains bacteria that produce harmful acids. When good oral hygiene habits (brushing and flossing) aren’t kept, plaque builds up, the acids eat away at tooth enamel, and cavities form in the teeth.
The best way to prevent cavities is to regularly clean the teeth with daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from the teeth. Regular visits to the dentist for dental cleanings are also important for maintaining oral health.
What options do I have for repairing a cavity?
There are three main treatments for cavities.
- Filling: removes decay from the tooth and fills it in with a composite resin; this method prevents minor to moderate tooth decay from getting worse.
- Crown: also called a “cap” because it completely covers a tooth. A crown is used when a cavity has grown too large – when the decay is removed, there is not enough tooth remaining to be repaired with a filling and must be restored with a prosthetic.
- Tooth removal: usually a last resort; an extraction is only used when a filling or crown cannot be used to save a tooth.
The treatment chosen to repair a cavity will depend on a patient’s needs, the extent of the decay, and the location of the cavity. Your dentist at Jacaranda Smiles will be able to examine the tooth, assess the decay, and determine the best cavity treatment for you. The professionals at Jacaranda Smiles are experienced in treating children’s teeth and aim to provide quality treatments to the patients of Plantation and Pembroke, FL.
The Best Ways to Treat Cavities for Kids
Dental cavities are among the most common oral health problems affecting people of all ages. If left untreated, they can lead to discomfort, pain, and significant oral health issues. Understanding how to treat cavities effectively is an essential part of maintaining dental health. Here are some of the best approaches to tackle cavities and improve overall oral hygiene.
Treatment First-Steps
The first step in treating cavities is early detection by visiting a dentist for kids, which can significantly reduce the severity of the condition. Regular dental check-ups are crucial in identifying cavities before they become serious problems. According to the Center for Pediatric Dentistry, more than 40% of children have dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten, indicating the need for parental vigilance and frequent dental visits. Using fluoride treatments during these visits can help strengthen the enamel and prevent further decay.
Cavity Prevention
Another effective way to treat cavities is through treatments such as fillings. When a cavity is detected, a dentist for kids can sometimes remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with materials like composite resins, amalgam, or even gold. This stops the decay from spreading and restores the tooth’s function and appearance. Acting quickly once a cavity is found is vital, as untreated cavities can lead to more complex procedures like root canals or tooth extraction.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Prevention remains one of the best ways to manage cavities; a consistent oral hygiene routine is required. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are fundamental practices that help remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. Additionally, reducing sugar intake and maintaining a balanced diet can prevent the development of cavities by not feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. These habits can significantly diminish the likelihood of cavities forming when combined with professional cleanings.
Effective cavity treatment involves a combination of early detection, professional dental treatments, and preventive care. Regular dental visits to a dentist for kids, appropriate restorative procedures, and diligent oral hygiene practices all contribute to combating cavities. By taking these steps, individuals can maintain healthier teeth and gums, potentially saving themselves from more extensive dental treatments in the future. To make an appointment, call Jacaranda Smiles today! We can’t wait to assist you.
What Are the Telltale Signs of a Decaying Tooth?
Have you noticed any changes in your child’s teeth recently? Small problems today could turn into big toothaches tomorrow if you ignore the early warning signs of tooth decay. Knowing what a decaying tooth looks and feels like can help you get ahead of the damage before it’s too late. Read on to learn more from your friendly neighborhood childrens dentist about what to watch out for.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Is an Early Indicator
If you notice your child wince in pain every time they bite into an ice cream cone or sip a warm cup of hot cocoa, it likely means the protective enamel layer of their tooth has worn away. Over time, acids from food and plaque erode enamel, allowing hot and cold sensations to trigger nerves under the surface. Mild sensitivity is common, but consistent pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods means it’s time to call your children’s dentist.
Visible Pitting, Holes, or Dark Spots Spell Trouble
Peer carefully at your child’s tooth after brushing and flossing. Do you notice any tiny holes or dark spots in their white enamel, especially along the gumlines? These spots likely indicate underlying decay eating away at the structure inside. Brown, black, or white pits and holes mean decay has progressed through the first layer of enamel and down into the more sensitive parts of the tooth. The deeper the penetration, the more urgently you need prompt care from a children’s dentist to prevent extensive treatment later on.
Bad Breath, Pus, or Gum Swelling Warrant Immediate Attention
Persistent bad breath, which your child can’t get rid of with brushing and flossing, gives another clear sign that decay has set in, especially if combined with pus discharge around their gums. The rotten smell comes from decomposition and bacterial buildup inside the tooth. Pus forms as the infection spreads, and your child’s immune system tries fighting it off. Inflamed, tender gums occur when an infection has made its way to the surrounding tissue as well.
Pay attention to your child’s mouth to catch decay before it goes too far. According to Colgate, 20% of kids between the ages of five to 11 have at least one untreated, decayed tooth. Call your children’s dentist at the first suspicion of dental problems for timely treatment. Call us today at Jacaranda Smiles to schedule an appointment to have your child’s teeth cleaned and looked at.
How to Spot Dental Issues in Children
Unfortunately, there are a good number of kids out there who have dental issues. One out of seven American teenagers has one or more untreated decayed teeth, according to Colgate. What should you be looking for so that you can bring them to a pediatric dentist? Here are some signs that you should keep your eyes open for.
Bad Breath
This in and of itself is not necessarily a sign. We can all have bad breath, including when we first wake up in the morning or if we have certain foods. You need to be on the lookout for your child having bad breath throughout the course of the day, even after brushing their teeth. That can indicate that there’s some kind of dental issue going on and that you need to bring them to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth Decay
Over the course of a day, bacteria can form on your child’s tooth and start wearing away at the enamel. That can lead to tooth decay and cavities. If you notice that there are things going on with their teeth that look like cavities could be forming, you need to bring them to a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Grinding
This is not an uncommon problem. Your child could be grinding their teeth for a variety of reasons. They could be stressed, their teeth could be misaligned, or they could be responding to pain in another body part. As a result, they could be setting their teeth to crack later on. Talk to your pediatric dentist about it. They can create a mouthguard that your child can wear at night to keep the upper and lower jaw from touching while they sleep.
These are just a few of the ways to spot dental issues in your child. They might also be sucking their thumb for too long; past the age of five. This can cause tooth alignment problems. Alternatively, they might not be losing some baby teeth, which can keep the adult teeth from coming in. This can cause decay issues. Your pediatric dentist can remove them to allow the natural progression to continue. Ultimately, though, make sure you bring your child in for regular appointments. That way, a lot of things can get caught early.
Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in your area? Contact us today to start working with our experienced pediatric dentist and orthodontist.
Dental caries, also known as cavities or tooth decay, are a common oral health problem, especially among kids. If you’re wondering what exactly dental caries are, here’s a quick guide to help you understand this issue that often requires a visit to the kids’ dentist.
What Causes Dental Caries?
Dental caries develop when acids wear away at the enamel of your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth produce acids after feeding on sugary or starchy foods. Each time you eat or drink something with sugar or starch, the bacteria release more acids that attack your tooth enamel. Over time, the enamel breaks down and cavities begin to form. Poor oral hygiene also contributes to increased dental caries.
What Are The Signs of Dental Caries?
There are a few signs that may indicate dental caries are developing. Tooth sensitivity or mild pain when eating hot, cold, or sugary foods is a sure sign. Visible pits or holes in your teeth and brown, black, or white discoloration spots are also signs. It’s crucial to note that early cavities may not be noticeable. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist for regular checkups, so they can look for decay during your cleaning. According to Colgate, one in every seven Americans between the ages of 12 and 19 have at least one untreated, decayed tooth. So dental caries in children and teens are quite common.
How Are Dental Caries Treated?
If caught early, your kids dentists can treat minor decay by brushing on fluoride or using sealants. For moderate cavities, they may recommend fillings to remove decay. For more severe decay, crowns, inlays, onlays, or tooth extractions may be needed. Left untreated altogether, caries can lead to tooth loss, infections, and pain that could require tooth extraction by an oral surgeon. That’s why it’s critical to get dental caries addressed promptly by your dentist.
You can help minimize your dental caries risk between dentist visits by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, limiting sugary or acidic foods and beverages, drinking fluoridated water, and getting dental cleanings and exams every six months. Be sure to tell your dentist right away if you have any tooth sensitivity or other signs of possible decay. With prompt treatment, you can keep dental caries from seriously damaging your smile. If you have any questions about your child’s teeth, we’re here to help. Call us to schedule an appointment with our kids dental practice today.