What to Do if Your Child has a Cavity

Parents want the best for their children and will do everything possible to ensure their safety and happiness. However, while parents can be there for them emotionally during times of sadness, heartbreak, and grief, words can only do so much when children are faced with issues regarding their health.

This can be particularly scary when it comes to visiting the dentist’s office. Children may worry about certain procedures, for example when they need to have a cavity filled. At Columbia Smiles, rather than disregard our younger patients’ feelings, our child-friendly dentists will do everything in our power to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

The most common general dentistry issue parents face regarding their children is the dreaded cavity. If you have questions about what to do if your child has a cavity, reach out to Dr. Michael Hsu and experienced dental professionals by calling 410.690.4855.

Cavities in Children

Cavities in kids are one of the most common health problems. Cavities are defined as areas of the tooth that have become permanently damaged and can be identified through discoloration and holes or openings formed on the tooth’s surface. In essence, cavities are tooth decay. There are three different types of cavities, each affecting a different area.

Smooth surface cavities – Food and beverages cause this cavity as sticky plaque gets attached to the smooth parts of the tooth. The best way to avoid this type of cavity is by having a healthy diet and brushing regularly twice a day for two minutes.
Pit and fissure cavities – This form of decay occurs on the top of your teeth. The teeth have developed to be excellent at tearing and pulling apart food. An unfortunate side effect of this is that food and bacteria can very easily get stuck inside them. The result is a rather painful cavity that can affect one’s ability to chew food properly.
Root cavities – Root cavities are the most serious variation of the cavity due to their effect on the root of the tooth. The root oversees the health of the entire tooth. Roots are especially susceptible to cavities as they lack any form of enamel (the thin outer covering that protects the tooth).

Cavities can become detrimental to a child’s health if not addressed timely and by an experienced dentist.

There are many things that a parent might consider when their child has a cavity. Where can one find a good dentist? What treatments are available, and how invasive will the treatment be? The number of questions can be daunting, but here at Columbia Smiles, we guarantee that we will help you find the answers. Our team has been assembled by Dr. Michael Hsu to ensure that the needs of our patients are met with courtesy and professionalism.

During a regular visit to the dentist’s office, your dentist will examine your child’s mouth. They will most likely be the first to notice the cavity. Once they have completed their assessment, they will have a one-on-one consultation to discuss the best path forward.

How to Treat Cavities in Children

We provide a variety of cavity treatments, including:

Dental fillings – Fillings remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the area to prevent further damage and decay.
Dental crowns – Crowns, or “caps,” are the next best option for cavities when fillings won’t do the trick. Crowns are used to restore and cover the tooth to protect it from further damage and decay. Once the decay has been removed, the tooth will be filed down and fitted with a cap that restores the tooth to its former shape.
Root canal – A root canal is only required for the most severely decayed or infected teeth. Root canals are used when a cavity or infection has spread to a tooth’s nerve endings.