Sensitivity to cold beverages, toothache, difficulty chewing … these are all common side effects of a cavity. Did you know that over 90 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with at least one cavity by the time they reach the age of 35? That’s a pretty staggering statistic. Cavities are quite common and the chances of you getting one at some point in your lifetime are very high. That makes visiting the dentist every six months all the more important.

While cavities can be detrimental for adults, they can be even more so for children. If a cavity is left unaddressed it can cause the infection to spread to nearby teeth, and even result in tooth loss. Going without a tooth can cause space issues, TMJ disorder, and jaw pain. Repairing cavities as soon as they occur is vital to an individual’s long-term oral health. Depending on the size of cavities, teeth can be repaired with dental fillings or dental crowns.

Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers both dental fillings and dental crowns at our Duncan, OK dental office. But prefers to use stainless steel crowns for kids rather than large fillings. Continue reading to learn more. To book your child’s consultation, contact our practice online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.

Why Preventative Care for Children is Important

Compared to adult teeth, children’s teeth have softer enamel and are much more susceptible to tooth decay. As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, it’s important to discuss with the dentist ways to protect your child’s developing teeth. Some of the first steps should include:

• Monitor sugar intake
• Implement a good oral hygiene regimen (brushing twice a day and flossing daily)
• Visit the dentist every six months
• Strengthen teeth with professional fluoride treatment
• Protect back molars with dental sealants

Losing a baby tooth before it’s time can wreck havoc on your child’s dentition and oral health. Primary teeth serve as anchors to permanent teeth, helping to guide them into proper position. If a tooth is lost too soon, it can cause nearby teeth to shift out of place and require the need for adolescent orthodontic treatment.

Why Stainless Steel Crowns May Be Better

When cavities strike, the restoration used to repair the tooth needs to last until permanent teeth come in. In cases of large cavities in children, Dr. Bridges prefers to use stainless steel crowns compared to large fillings due to their durability and lasting abilities. Dental fillings don’t always provide a secure bond, which can result in retreatment or bacteria reentering the space between the filling and tooth. Some of the advantages of stainless steel dental crowns include:

• Affordable and lasting treatment
• Full coverage and better protection
• Minimal to no dental sensitivity
• Reduced risk of retreatment
• More successful than amalgam or composite fillings in young children

Does You Child Have a Cavity?

If you’re concerned your child may have a cavity, meeting with an experienced dentist can protect and preserve their growing teeth. Dr. Bridges offers a variety of treatments for patients of all ages and is passionate about providing the utmost dental care so patients can maintain healthy teeth and gums. To book your appointment, please contact our Duncan, OK dental office online or give us a call at (580) 255-4880.

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