While looking at your toddler’s beautiful smile, you may believe they are too young to experience tooth decay. The truth is that as soon as a young child’s teeth erupt, they are vulnerable. At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, we want to help protect your child’s smile for a lifetime. This blog shares why toddlers get cavities, how pediatric dentists treat them, and strategies parents can use to prevent tooth decay.
How Dental Decay Develops in Toddlers
Just like older children and adults, toddlers can develop cavities. Foods high in sugar and starch cling to the teeth and feed bacteria. Food and bacteria combine with saliva to create plaque, a biofilm that releases acids. These acids gradually break down healthy tooth enamel. As the tooth damage worsens, they create cavities. Cavities start small, but since toddlers cannot always communicate when they are uncomfortable or in pain, you may not notice them until they are advanced.
Early Signs of Tooth Decay in Toddlers
Keep watch for these early indications that your toddler may have a cavity, and schedule a prompt appointment with us for help:
- A white line on the tooth close to the gumline: Parents often miss this sign because the line may appear dull.
- Small brown or white spots on the teeth
- Frequently touching the teeth or mouth
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
If you pay close attention to your child’s teeth and behavioral changes, you may be able to catch tooth decay at an early stage, when it is easier to repair.
Consequences of Untreated Decay in Young Children
When a toddler develops tooth decay, parents often feel dismayed. They may have overlooked the need for consistent oral hygiene starting at birth. The following are some of the complications that can occur with untreated decay:
- Discomfort: Cavities can hurt even in primary teeth, and your child may have sleep issues or behavior issues.
- Spread of Decay: Advanced decay in one tooth can spread to its neighbors, causing a domino effect.
- Infections: Tooth decay can also lead to infections in the pulp, which are highly uncomfortable for your child and can impact their overall health.
- Tooth Loss or Extraction: If your child’s tooth is too damaged for repair, it may need extraction. Each primary tooth affects the health and alignment of the permanent teeth.
Cavity Treatments for Toddlers
Today, pediatric dentists use safe, age-appropriate methods to repair and restore decayed teeth. Dental fillings made from composite resin create a seamless repair, strengthening the tooth without drawing attention to your child’s dental work.
If decay is extensive enough to require more than a filling, pediatric dentists often place stainless steel crowns in toddlers and older children. A crown allows normal bite function and maintains tooth alignment.
How to Protect Your Child from Cavities
Start Early
Even before your child’s first tooth appears, gently wipe the gums with a damp baby washcloth. This action will help your little one become accustomed to dental care and remove harmful plaque and bacteria from the gums.
As soon as you spot the first tooth, begin brushing it with a rice-grain-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste and an extra-soft baby toothbrush. You may be surprised to learn that pediatric dentists now recommend fluoride for young children, and research shows the benefits far outweigh the risks. Develop a habit of brushing your baby’s teeth twice daily to build positive associations.
Avoid Bottles at Bedtime
Beneficial liquids, such as formula and breastmilk, contain sugars that can fuel tooth decay. Avoid putting your toddler to bed with a bottle. If you breastfeed, wipe your child’s teeth and gums after each feeding. Older babies can have water in a naptime bottle when their pediatrician allows.
Visit the Dentist Frequently
Schedule your baby’s first dental exam and cleaning within six months of the first tooth’s arrival. Most babies will need cleanings from a pediatric dentist every six months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings
Are toddlers’ fillings visible?
Today, pediatric dentists use well-tested composite resin to fill and protect teeth rather than the metal fillings adults may have received when they were young.
How long does it take to fill a toddler’s tooth?
Typically, it takes only minutes to prepare the cavity site and install the filling. Your child will receive an appropriate local anesthetic, and you may opt for light dental sedation using nitrous oxide.
At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, we aim to educate parents on cavity prevention and reassure those whose children need restorative dental procedures. If you notice anything amiss with your child’s teeth or with their behavior as described above, please get in touch with us today. We look forward to meeting you and your child.