Tooth-Colored Fillings
Tooth cavities or caries are common in childhood, and estimates say that over 40 percent of children ages 2–11 have had decay in their primary teeth. At Arrowhead Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we do our part to reverse that trend by providing preventive dental care and educating parents on how to help their kids develop healthy oral habits at home.
If your child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, we recommend treating it as soon as possible. We all want our kids to lead happy, carefree lives, but untreated decay causes toothaches that affect a child's ability to eat, speak, play, and learn.
Why Children Develop Cavities
Common reasons why children develop cavities are:
- Poor oral hygiene — Brushing your child's teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is crucial to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that cause cavities. After age two, you can also start flossing their teeth once a day.
- Poor eating habits — A diet filled with sugary foods produces acid in a child's mouth that weakens tooth enamel and leads to cavities.
- Baby bottle use — Putting a child to sleep with a bottle allows sugar and acid to bathe their teeth and lead to cavities.
- Genetics — Some children are more prone to developing cavities due to genetic factors like weak tooth enamel or low saliva production that leads to dry mouth.
Our dental team members are generous with their time and knowledge and always happy to answer your questions. They can provide guidance on all these issues and explain steps you can take to keep your child's smile healthy, happy, and cavity-free.
Gentle, Expert Care and Durable Tooth Fillings
Our children's dentists are gentle and friendly and understand how to interact with children, so they feel safe and comfortable during treatment. They are experts at giving comfortable injections, and once they numb the tooth, your can rest assured that your child won't feel any pain.
If the cavity is small, we'll remove it and fill the tooth with a material that we shade to match your child's smile perfectly. After they expertly place and shape the filling, no one will ever notice it.
For a larger cavity, we might recommend a baby crown to protect the tooth until it is ready to come out on its own.
If decay is more advanced, our children's dentists may recommend a pulpotomy (baby root canal) to protect surrounding teeth and your child's general oral health.
Sedation Dentistry for Children
We are pleased to offer children's sedation dentistry at our Glendale, AZ, dental office!
Nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" is mild, gentle, and safe for children of all ages. With the help of nitrous oxide, we can work safely and efficiently, and your child can enjoy a comfortable, stress-free experience with no memory of what happened afterward.
Oral conscious sedation involves prescribing a sedative, and because the effects are long-lasting, it's perfect for more involved or longer procedures.
Dental Treatments to Prevent Cavities
Fortunately, cavities are highly preventable, and part of our services includes guiding and educating parents on how to keep their child's smile healthy. With proper brushing and flossing habits, routine teeth cleanings and exams, and a healthy, nutritious diet, we can help your child maintain a healthy smile for life.
Fluoride Applications
Fluoride helps build strong, healthy teeth and prevent cavities. We offer standard fluoride treatment and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) that controls cavities and helps prevent decay from spreading.
Dental Sealants
It's challenging to clean teeth with uneven surfaces and deep grooves where bacteria and food particles hide and cause cavities. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the surfaces of these teeth and act as barriers to protect them against 80 percent of cavities for the first two years and 50 percent for four years.
Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Exam
Is it time to schedule your child's next six-month exam and teeth cleaning? Please call our Glendale, AZ, dental office, and a friendly team member will be happy to help you.
