Just as with adults, dental fillings have some distinct benefits for children. As a parent, you want the best for your children. That means teaching them to brush and floss after every meal. It also means seeing a dentist on a regular basis. Those things combined will enhance your child’s oral health.
Most parents do everything possible to prevent their children from developing cavities. However, even with the best of intentions, cavities are part of growing up. The goal is to identify a cavity early on. The quicker a child sees a dentist, the better. Dental fillings seal tiny holes to keep plaque and bacteria out.
Although the number one benefit of dental fillings for kids is sealing cavities, they do much more. If a child accidentally chips or cracks a tooth, a dental professional can fill it. Especially when using a tooth-colored filling, it would not show. In this case, the filling not only seals any opening, but it also gives the damaged tooth support.
While silver dental fillings are still an option, an increasing number of parents choose tooth-colored fillings for kids. Made from porcelain or a composite material, these look natural. Especially for children with a lot of cavities, these materials blend in to enhance their smile. Overall, a child feels more confident with fillings that match permanent teeth.
Many parents have no idea that some of today’s dental fillings release fluoride. Over the past 10 years, the field of dentistry has experienced some remarkable changes. One of these is glass ionomer fillings. These actually release fluoride that protects a damaged tooth from further decay. Usually, dentists suggest this option for children who have decay below the gumline.
Dental fillings are ideal for giving weakened tooth support. Known as indirect fillings, a dentist applies these as an onlay or inlay. Typically, dental professionals recommend this when a tooth has damage but not to the point of needing a crown. Compared to a more traditional filling, this is extremely effective.
The last thing a parent wants to happen is for a child to develop an infection. For a decayed tooth that requires a root canal, an endodontist would add a temporary filling. While in place, this allows both the tooth and gums time to heal. Temporary dental fillings also allow nerves to calm down. When ready, the dental professional would replace the temporary filling with the permanent one. During this time, the child would take antibiotics as to prevent possible infection.
For a child with a damaged or decayed tooth, eating becomes nearly impossible. Every bite proves painful. Even hot and cold food and beverages are difficult to handle. Dental fillings help with this. Not only do these eliminate the pain but also make the tooth more functional. Once in place, a child can eat normally.
Kids will be kids. That means they will find a way to eat and drink sweet foods and have accidents that chip teeth. If your little one develops a cavity or has suffered light trauma to a tooth, take the child to the dentist right away. Ultimately, dental fillings help boost the health of the teeth.
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