Little Teeth, Great Responsibility
It’s tempting to think that baby teeth are irrelevant—those ones do fall out, right? But the truth is, healthy baby teeth are vital to your child’s overall mouth health later in life. One of the greatest threats to those little smiles? Cavities.
Also known as tooth decay or dental caries, cavities are the most common chronic condition in children, even more common than asthma. At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we see how rapidly cavities can surprise kids—and how preventable they usually are. The best part? With a little knowledge and the right habits, you can keep your child cavity-free.
Call (508) 967-1000 to Book an Appointment for a Pediatric Cavity Checkup Today in Fairhaven!
What Actually Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a opening in a tooth as a result of tooth decay. It starts when oral bacteria feed on sugars and starches left on the teeth from food or drink. The bacteria break down with acid that softens the tooth’s protective covering called enamel.
If left untreated, cavities will deepen and reach the inner layers of the tooth. This will lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss—even in baby teeth.
Most attention is given to adult teeth, but baby teeth are equally important. They help with chewing, speech, and keeping space for permanent teeth to come in correctly.
How Do Cavities Form in Children?
Cavities happen when a child’s diet or oral care allows plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—to build up and erode away enamel with acid.
Some of the common cavity-producing habits in children include:
- Frequent sipping or eating sugary or sticky foods
- Drinking juice, soda, or milk during the day (especially in sippy cups or bottles)
- Inadequate brushing and flossing
- Bottle or nighttime nursing
- Infrequent dental checkups
Children’s enamel is thinner and less mineralized than adults’, so their teeth are more prone to cavities.
Warning Signs Your Child Has a Cavity
Early cavities do not always hurt, so that’s why regular dental checkups are so important. But as they age, cavities can produce:
- White spots or brown discoloration on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Pain when chewing
- Complaints of a toothache
- Visible holes or pits in the tooth
- Swelling or redness in the gums near the affected tooth
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, don’t wait—early treatment can prevent the necessity of more extensive treatment later.
What Happens If a Baby Tooth Gets a Cavity?
It’s a misconception that cavities in baby teeth don’t need to be treated because those teeth will fall out anyway. Yet, if the decay in baby teeth isn’t treated, it can lead to:
- Discomfort and pain
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Infection spreading to other teeth or other areas of the body
- Premature loss of the tooth, which will cause spacing and alignment issues for permanent teeth
- Fear or reluctance to see the dentist if the first experience is unpleasant
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we’re committed to gentle, efficient care for children—and work in close partnership with parents at each step.
What the Treatment of Cavities in Children Entails
Depending on how big and serious the cavity is, the treatment is the following:
- Small cavities: Typically receive a simple filling with a tooth-colored substance
- Large cavities: May require a crown to restore the rest of the tooth
- Infected or severely decayed teeth: May require a baby root canal (pulpotomy) or be pulled
Our kid-friendly professionals always use comfort-oriented techniques and age-appropriate language to keep your child comfortable and well-informed.
Preventing Cavities: What Parents Can Do
These are real-life ways you can prevent your child’s smile from getting cavities:
1. Start at the Beginning
- Begin cleaning baby’s gums with a soft cloth before teeth even emerge
- When the first tooth emerges, begin brushing with a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste
2. Establish a Brushing Routine
- Brush at least twice daily for two minutes
- On age 3, use pea-sized fluoride toothpaste
- Supervise tooth brushing until he or she learns to tie shoelaces (around age 6–7)
3. Don’t forget to floss
- Introduce flossing as soon as two teeth meet
- Flossing removes food and plaque between the teeth where bristles cannot pass
4. Limit Sugar
- Restrict sticky sweets, fruit snacks, and sweet drinks
- Offer water between meals instead of juice or milk
- Utilize snacks like cheese, yogurt, nuts (if suitable for their age), and crunchy vegetables and fruits
5. Regular Dental Visits
- Get your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday
- Keep cleanings and checkups on a six-month basis
- Ask about fluoride treatments and sealants to strengthen and protect teeth
Sealants and Fluoride: Extra Protection for Little Smiles
Sealants are thin, protective films that are applied in the crevices of molars—where kids usually get their first cavities. They act like a guard, preventing food and bacteria.
Fluoride treatments strengthen enamel and render teeth acid-resistant. These painless, brief procedures are often done at routine checkups.
We recommend sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars appear—around age 6.
Why Choose Smiley Dental of Fairhaven for Pediatric Care
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we feel that an excellent dental visit can make a permanent mark on the oral health attitude of a child. That’s why we:
- Communicate kid-to-kid – Practice gentle treatment and age-appropriate tools
- Include parents in all care
- Create a welcoming, non-judgmental place for families
- Provide prevention and education, not just treatment
Call (508) 967-1000 today to schedule an appointment for a cavity check or regular cleaning for your child
Final Thoughts:
Tooth decay in kids is prevalent—but preventable. Regular visits, good at-home habits, and early awareness are your ticket to giving your child a lifelong, self-assured smile.
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we’re here to help families understand, prevent, and treat cavities in a gentle, supportive way. Whether your child needs their first checkup or you’re concerned about a possible cavity, we’re just a phone call away.
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 now to book your child’s next visit. Let’s keep their smile healthy from the very first tooth.
