Pediatric Fillings

Your little one’s teeth are not just temporary placeholders in their mouth while they wait for their permanent, adult teeth. However, many people are surprised to learn that their child’s oral health does play a key role in their oral health as they get older. Not only does a child’s primary teeth help shape their mouth as adults, but these teeth also need to stick around and remain in good shape until their permanent teeth do finally arrive. Keeping your child’s teeth healthy and free from tooth decay is an essential part of their development, and if cavities do form, we here at Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry may try to treat the decay with pediatric fillings.

Why Would a Child Need a Filling?

Some people are surprised to learn that a child’s primary tooth may need a filling. After all, they are going to eventually fall out anyway, so why should they bother with filling it? One good reason to treat a cavity in a baby tooth is for compassion; tooth decay can be quite painful if left untreated, leading to discomfort in little mouths.

Another consideration is that tooth decay is a disease, and diseases should not remain untreated on principle. If it remains untreated, it can eventually start to affect other teeth and may even cause problems on your child’s permanent teeth.

Other reasons that a child may require a filling in their baby teeth can include self-esteem. Tooth decay can be unsightly, and children are not immune to embarrassment. Poor oral health and decay can also lead to problems with proper nutrition and can make it harder for a child to learn how to speak clearly. A child with active tooth decay may also suffer from poor nutrition, especially if their decay makes them avoid eating due to the discomfort that they are experiencing.

Signs that a Child May Have Tooth Decay

Little kids are not the best at communicating their feelings to others. Even if they are starting to develop a vocabulary, it can be hard for them to express what they are experiencing, especially if that sensation is pain or discomfort in their mouth. Instead of waiting for your child to come to you to complain of oral pain, you can look for telltale clues that they may have a problem. They may stop eating, or they may avoid certain foods altogether. They may also have trouble talking, as well, especially if they are trying to navigate the pain of their sore tooth.

Other clues that a child may have tooth decay can include visual indicators, such as dark spots or stains on their teeth. Holes in their teeth can also be a clear sign of tooth decay. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods may also indicate that your child has tooth decay. All of these clues may hint that your child does need dental fillings.

Choosing a Filling Material

Tooth decay in a child can be a scary and stressful situation, not only for your child but also for you! Nobody wants to see their precious kid struggling with a toothache. If you suspect that your child may have unaddressed tooth decay, you would like to learn more about fillings, or you simply would like to set up an appointment with us here at Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry, please give us a call at 360-659-8100, 360-863-8700, 425-367-4149, 360-339-8000 today!