Tooth decay is a silent epidemic plaguing children across America. Without proper treatment, it can lead to excruciating pain, dangerous infections, and even permanent tooth loss. As a parent, you have the power to safeguard your child’s oral health and spare them from needless suffering.
At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are passionately committed to reversing tooth decay and restoring the dazzling smiles of children in New York. Our kid-friendly office provides gentle, customized dental care focused on your child’s unique needs.
What Causes Tooth Decay in Children?
Tooth decay in children is caused primarily by bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria naturally present in the oral cavity feed on sugars from foods and drinks and produce acid as a byproduct. This acid erodes the enamel, or outer layer, of teeth over time, leading to cavities.
Factors that can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities include:
| Frequent snacking or sipping | When children constantly snack on sugary or starchy foods and drinks, acid-producing bacteria are fed more often. This frequent acid attack wears away at enamel. |
| Inadequate oral hygiene | Insufficient oral hygiene allows plaque (a film of bacteria) to build up on teeth and continue producing acid. Thorough daily brushing and flossing removes decay-causing plaque. |
| Early bacterial transmission | Studies show kids exposed earlier in life to cavity-causing bacteria have a higher lifetime decay risk. Bacteria can spread from parents/caregivers through saliva. |
| Lack of fluoride exposure | Fluoride makes enamel more resistant to acid and helps reverse early decay. Children without sufficient fluoride intake are more prone to cavities. |
| Dry mouth | Reduced saliva flow means less clearing of food/plaque from the mouth. This allows more acid production from plaque bacteria. |
| Genetics | Some children may have tooth enamel that is inherently more susceptible to acid dissolution . |
Your Child’s Smile, Our Specialty
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay
Minor cavities may not produce any symptoms initially. That’s why dental exams every 6 months are essential for early detection. As decay advances, signs and symptoms may include:
Early Stage Decay
- White, brown, or black spots appearing on the tooth enamel. These indicate demineralization of enamel.
- Small pits or holes in the tooth surface. These are microscopic decays that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
- Mild sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks. This is due to loss of enamel and exposure of dentin.
Moderate Decay
- Visible pits or holes in the teeth. These appear darker as decay advances deeper.
- Moderate to severe tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature changes. Nerves are more exposed.
- Pain or ache in teeth intermittently. This indicates dental pulp inflammation.
- Food getting stuck in grooves or holes in teeth.
Advanced Decay
- Visible cavities, cracks, or holes in teeth.
- Severe toothache and pain. This can be constant or come and go.
- Abscess, facial swelling, and lymph node swelling. Infection has spread.
- Damaged crowns, cracked or broken teeth.
- Loose teeth, changes in bite. This is due to loss of tooth structure.
- Bad breath as bacteria produce foul odors.
Our Comprehensive Treatments for Tooth Decay
When cavities and tooth decay occur, early intervention and treatment is key to prevent further progression and more complex procedures. 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics have various methods to stop and restore tooth decay depending on its severity.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, preventing cavities from starting and stopping decay from progressing further. We provide fluoride varnish treatments during dental visits to help fortify enamel. Recommendations for at-home topical fluoride use, like fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinses, are made based on your child’s individual risk level for decay.
Dental Sealants
Thin plastic coatings are bonded to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to seal out plaque and food particles that can lead to decay in pits and grooves. Lasting 5-10 years typically, sealants are a preventive measure that protect vulnerable areas prone to decay.
Fillings
When decay has progressed, fillings are needed to remove the decayed material and fill the hole in the tooth. Different filling materials include metal alloy, composite resin, or porcelain. Composite resin fillings match the tooth color but may wear down faster than metal fillings. Porcelain fillings offer natural aesthetics but usually cost more.
Stainless Steel Crowns
These pre-made crowns fit over teeth to provide a full protective shell after extensive decay removal. Used for baby molars, they prevent fracturing and help preserve spacing for permanent teeth.
Tooth Extractions
Severely damaged teeth may require extraction to prevent infection and relieve pain. For children losing primary teeth, extraction helps maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth coming in.
Root Canal Therapy
This treatment saves severely decayed teeth by removing infected pulp and bacteria inside the tooth canals. The interior canals are then sealed, and a stainless steel crown is placed on top to protect the tooth.
Join the Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics family for dedicated, child-friendly dental care that makes every visit a fun experience.
Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Smile in New York City
At 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are committed to protecting children’s oral health through advanced training, a kid-friendly office, cutting-edge technology, sedation options, and prompt emergency services.
- Specialized Expertise: Our dentists complete 2-3 extra years of training focused solely on pediatric dentistry. This allows us to treat tooth decay and other issues efficiently in children.
- Comforting Environment: We designed our office just for kids, with games, movies, and fun decor. This reduces anxiety and makes visits pleasant.
- Early Detection: Using digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and the latest diagnostic tools, we can catch decay in its earliest stages when it’s easiest to treat.
- Relaxed Visits: We offer sedation dentistry for anxious or very young patients, keeping appointments relaxed and pain-free.
- Urgent Care: We promptly accommodate sick visits for pain, injuries, swelling, and other urgent pediatric dental issues.
Our team’s advanced pediatric training, kid-friendly office, cutting-edge technology, sedation options, and emergency services make us New York City’s top choice for protecting your child’s lifelong dental health.
Give Your Child the Gift of a Bright, Healthy Smile
As pediatric dentists, we are passionate about protecting your child’s smile. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children, but with diligent oral hygiene and smart dietary choices, it can be prevented.
We coach parents and children on the best practices for preventing cavities and promoting optimal oral health. By partnering with us, you can ensure your child develops positive habits and enjoys a sparkling, cavity-free smile for years to come.
Here are our top tips on stopping cavities before they develop:
- Encouraging children to drink water throughout the day to wash away food particles and keep the mouth moist and pH balanced.
- Limiting sugary snacks and beverages which feed the bacteria that produce acid leading to cavities. Offer healthier, tooth-friendly alternatives instead.
- Promoting good brushing and flossing habits by starting early and teaching proper techniques to remove plaque and debris.
- Increasing intake of crisp, water-dense fruits and vegetables which help keep the mouth clean and hydrated.
- Avoiding sharing utensils which can transfer cavity-causing bacteria.
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups for professional cleanings and early cavity detection and treatment.
- Ensuring adequate fluoride exposure through drinking water and toothpaste to strengthen enamel.
- Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet and limiting sticky, sugary snacks to support oral health.
If your child has been diagnosed with tooth decay, don’t wait to seek treatment. The skilled pediatric dentists at 949 Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offer specialized expertise in caring for infants, children, teens, and kids with special needs.
With multiple treatment options in a child-friendly setting, we can eliminate decay and restore your kid’s smile to health. Contact us today to schedule an exam!