Pediatric dentist examining little girls teeth in the dentists chair at the dental clinic

What To Do When Your Child Gets A Cavity In Rexburg

Help! My Child Has A Cavity!

Whether your child has been complaining about a tooth that hurts, you spotted a dark spot that just won’t go away on one of their teeth, or if your kids’ dentist in Rexburg discovered the cavity, if your child has a cavity or is complaining of tooth pain it’s time to take care of it!

Many parents, especially first-time parents, may feel nervous when their child gets their first cavity, but there’s no reason to worry. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 20% of children ages 5 to 11 have at least one untreated decaying tooth. So it’s perfectly normal for your child to get a cavity.

However, as your children’s dentist in Rexburg, we want to make sure that any cavity or sign of tooth decay is treated as soon as possible and that you and your child are given the tools to avoid cavities in the future.

Continue reading to learn what to do when your child gets a cavity in Rexburg, and how you can prevent them from getting cavities in the future.

 

What To Do When Your Child Gets A Cavity In RexburgMid section view of a dentist examining a girl teeth

Children should see their dentist in Rexburg at least once every six months for routine dental checkups, however, if you’re child is complaining of any of the following, you will need to take them in sooner to see their dentist:

  • Tooth or mouth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink

At this appointment, or at their regular checkup, if a cavity is found it’s best to get it treated as quickly as possible. Getting cavities filled is never a fun experience, so at Eagle Rock Dental Care, we do all we can to make this process as comfortable and as pain-free as possible. Your children’s dentist in Rexburg will make sure that both you and your child understand what options are available for you and help you to decide which course of action is best. 

 

There are two main options when it comes to fixing your child’s cavities in Rexburg, these include:

  • Amalgam Fillings – Amalgam fillings are usually the first choice for treating cavities in kids, especially smaller children, because they are typically more durable than composite fillings and are applied quicker, so your child doesn’t have to spend extra time in the dental chair than necessary. Amalgam fillings are silver in color and are usually cheaper than composite fillings, this makes them a great option whether or not you have dental insurance. 
  • Composite Fillings – Composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing fillings because they are usually either tooth-colored or white resin, making them virtually invisible. Composite fillings are ideal if your child has a cavity on an adult tooth. Composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings, so keep that in mind and check with your dental insurance to see if composite fillings are covered.

 

How To Prevent Future Cavities From Happeningmother and daughter brushing each other's teeth

  • Routine Dental Care – By taking your child to see their Rexburg kids dentist at least every six months for a routine dental checkup, you can avoid a cavity from going from bad to worse. In some cases, especially in baby teeth, many children may not notice any sensitivity or pain even if they do have cavities. Be safe, rather than sorry, and make sure your child sees their dentist at least twice a year. 
  • Sealants – Sealants or dental sealants can be applied to your child’s back teeth to prevent tooth decay from happening. This thin coating is perfect to protect your children’s teeth from getting more cavities and is a simple and quick procedure your Rexburg children’s dentist can do at your next appointment. 
  • Brushing & Flossing – Making sure that your child has a good brushing and flossing routine in place is key to keeping cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease at bay. For younger children, check their teeth after they have brushed and flossed to make sure that they have done a good job getting into those “hard to reach areas”. Children should brush and floss their teeth every morning and night.
  • Smart Snacking – To keep your children’s teeth healthy and happy, choose snacks that are less likely to cause tooth decay. This means opting for more fruits and vegetables as opposed to processed and sugary foods. Additionally, limiting the amount of snacking your child does is important too. When a person snacks all the time, this doesn’t give the teeth a chance to be free from bacteria and particles from food, which will make the teeth more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. Avoid letting your children graze throughout the day and instead give them three meals with one to two snacks per day.
  • Fluoride Treatments – Strong teeth make it more difficult for bacteria to penetrate the teeth, which can cause cavities. Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen tooth enamel and act as an additional protective measure to keep your child’s teeth cavity-free. Often, at our Rexburg children’s dental office, we recommend fluoride treatment during routine checkups (twice a year).

 

Contact Eagle Rock Dental Care in Rexburg at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup or if you believe your child may be suffering from cavities.