To enjoy great oral health for life, ensuring your kids get started on dental hygiene early is of the utmost importance. Of course, cavities can still occur, which is why the caring children’s dentist at Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage wants to inform parents on the right steps to take should their child develop a cavity. This practice knows that early treatment is the best possible defense against future issues, which is why they offer the following helpful tips on how to deal with your child’s first cavity.

What Do You Look For?

Knowing what signs to look for will ensure your child gets the dental treatment they need. White spots on the teeth point to the earliest stages of decay, which is the best time to seek out a cleaning from a children’s dentist. If left untreated, these spots can quickly become discolored, which will entail more-comprehensive treatment, such as a filling. Other signs of cavities in children include pain when brushing, eating, or drinking.

What Happens When Your Child Has a Cavity?

If your child does develop a cavity, scheduling an exam is essential. Your dentist will determine the level of decay, which can impact all areas of the teeth. For instance, surface level decay only affects the enamel. Fortunately, these can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatments.

However, more substantial decay can make its way into the pulp and eventually lead to a painful abscess. A filling may be necessary in this case. A children’s dentist will drill away areas of decay and replace them with material intended on keeping the tooth protected. Next, a metal or composite filling will be placed over the spot to shore up the tooth and prevent infection from occurring. While the procedure can be intimidating, letting your child know what to expect can reduce anxiety a great deal.

In Anchorage, both children and parents trust in the care afforded by the Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Learn more about the full range of services offered by visiting them online today. You can also call (907) 274-2525 to schedule your kid’s next appointment with this top-rated, Spanish-speaking children’s dentist.