Does My Child Need Fillings?
Even though your child’s baby teeth will be replaced, it’s very important that you help them with their oral hygiene. If you find out that your child has a cavity in one of their infant teeth, you may question if it’s necessary to place a filling in it. The answer is yes, it is necessary. If left untreated, cavities – even in your child’s primary teeth – can have negative consequences, such as pain and infection, which can lead to problems eating, speaking, and learning. At Sunnyside Dentistry for Children in Clackamas, OR, you will find all the dental services you need for your child, whatever their age.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
The best thing to do to avoid fillings for your children is to practice good oral hygiene.
- Teach your child to brush and floss: As soon as your child’s first teeth erupt, you should begin cleaning them twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a very small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). By age three, you can increase the amount of toothpaste to the size of a pea. Daily flowing can be made easier by using a water flosser.
- Avoid prolonged contact with milk: By removing the bottle from your child’s mouth before they go to sleep, you can prevent the sugar in breast milk or formula from encouraging the growth of oral bacteria.
- Pick the right juice: Whole fruit is more nutritious than juice, but if you do give juice, make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars or sweeteners.
- Take your child for regular dental visits: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you take your child for their first dental visit with our Clackamas dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in. This not only allows your dentist to check on your child’s dental health, but it also sets a good foundation for your child to feel comfortable with dental visits. Parents can feel confident that their children are getting quality dental treatment in a relaxed and fun environment.
If you think your child may need fillings, or you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Clackamas, call Dr. Eric Jacobsen, Dr. Jacob Hutchings and Dr. David Doyle at Sunnyside Dentistry for Children on (503)-855-5100. New patients are always welcome.