When it comes to keeping your family’s teeth healthy, one of the most important things to avoid is cavities. The good news is that there are certain things you can do to both prevent and treat cavities if you or your child do experience them. The longer you work to prevent cavities, the less time your child will spend in our office – which is something they will surely thank you for! Our team is here to help you keep your family’s teeth in top condition for years to come, so keep reading to learn about the types of cavities and what you can do to prevent cavities in the future.
3 Types of Cavities & How to Treat and Prevent Them
1. Root Cavities
A root cavity occurs when the cavity forms on the root surface of the tooth. They are more common as we age, but it’s still something for you to keep in mind to encourage good brushing habits with your little ones. Receding gums are a big cause of root cavities, so you need to ensure you are taking good care of your teeth and gums by flossing and brushing them each day.
You’ve likely heard of the horrors of root canal treatment, and this is one reason you want to avoid root cavities. Don’t worry, this treatment isn’t as bad as it sounds, but it’s still something that you don’t want to undergo if you can avoid it. To treat root cavities, we remove any tooth decay before filling the cavity with the filling of your choice. However, root canal treatment is needed if the decay has spread into the tooth pulp. If you think you have a root cavity, see our team as soon as possible to avoid it spreading further and needing more serious treatment.
2. Smooth-Surface Cavities
Smooth-surface cavities are most commonly found on the teeth on the side of your mouth, as they impact the flat exterior surface of the tooth. These are very slow to develop, so they are the least commonly found type of cavity within the children we treat. Good dental hygiene is key to avoiding these cavities, as they are very slow-growing.
To treat smooth-surface cavities, we may offer fluoride treatment in the form of a gel or toothpaste. Over time, you’ll find that if the cavity gets through the smooth-surface enamel, then a filling will be needed to protect the tooth.
3. Pit and Fissure Cavities
We usually find that pit and fissure cavities appear on the rear molars, which are the very back teeth in your mouth. These cavities are often a result of food getting stuck in the teeth, which can be harder to remove due to the location of the teeth. Make sure you get your kids into a good brushing routine from a young age, which can help to prevent pit and fissure cavities.
To treat this type of cavity, we may start by offering you a sealant and fluoride treatment. However, when it becomes much deeper, you’ll find that a filling or root canal treatment is needed. This may also need a crown in the end, which will stop us from having to pull out the tooth for as long as possible.
How to Prevent Cavities
Cavities are something no child or adult wants to experience, and the earlier you help your little one get into a good dental hygiene routine, the less likely they’ll be seeing us for a filling in the future. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day and flosses at least once a day. We’ve shared our top tips for flossing in the past, which we recommend checking out to help get into a good habit with your child.
Of course, our top recommendation is to book your child in for regular dental check-ups with our team. The earlier we can find a cavity or the start of any damage to your child’s teeth, the more we’ll be able to help. Fluoride treatments and sealants are a great way to delay the chance of a cavity forming and can stop you from needing a filling any time soon. If you have any concerns about cavities or your child is experiencing any form of pain in their mouth, contact our team as soon as possible. While we know the idea of a filling isn’t fun, we’ll be here to support you and protect your family’s teeth as best we can.
Keep Your Family’s Teeth Healthy with the Help of AC Pediatric Dentistry
Going to the dentist can be scary — we get it. But it should be fun! Whether it’s care for baby teeth, big kid teeth, oral surgery, or orthodontics, our team of specialized pediatric dentists make the experience memorable while teaching you how to encourage healthy habits and good hygiene for lifelong smiles. Call us today or request an appointment online. We can’t wait to meet you!