Does Your Child Have a Cavity? Here’s What to Know About Pediatric Fillings

Cavities are one of the most common health problems in children, even more common than asthma or hay fever. In fact, more than half of kids aged 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [1]

If left untreated, cavities can get worse and cause pain, infection, or even problems with eating and speaking. That’s why early treatment is so important, it helps stop the damage before it spreads and protects your child’s healthy smile for the future. [2]

At Englewood Dental NJ- The Center for Implants and Aesthetics, we understand how scary a dental visit can feel for kids. Our team offers gentle and compassionate pediatric care to help your child feel safe, supported, and comfortable every step of the way.

How to Tell If Your Child Has a Cavity

Cavities don’t always hurt at first, so they can be easy to miss. But there are some warning signs parents can look out for. Your child may say their tooth feels sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. They might also feel pain when chewing or biting down. In some cases, you may see a white, brown, or black spot on their tooth, or even a small hole. [2]

If your child shows any of these signs, or if it’s been more than six months since their last check-up, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental exam. Regular visits help catch cavities early, sometimes even before symptoms appear. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist every six months to keep their teeth healthy and strong. [3]

Finding and treating cavities early helps prevent bigger problems later, like tooth infections or the need for more complex procedures. It also helps protect your child’s baby teeth, which play a big role in speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into the right position. [1]

What Are Pediatric Dental Fillings?

If your child has a cavity, a dental filling is a common and safe way to fix it. A filling is a special material that fills the hole left by tooth decay. First, the dentist gently removes the damaged part of the tooth. Then, they place the filling to seal and protect the tooth from further damage. [4]

There are different types of materials used for children’s fillings. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and blend in naturally with your child’s smile. These are often chosen for front teeth or visible areas. Amalgam fillings, which are silver-colored, are strong and usually used in back teeth where chewing pressure is higher.

Today’s dental fillings are very safe and effective for children. Composite and amalgam materials have been used for many years and are approved by dental experts. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that both types are safe choices for repairing cavities in kids.

At Englewood Dental NJ, we’ll help you choose the best filling option based on your child’s needs and comfort, so they can smile, eat, and play with confidence again.

What to Expect During the Filling Procedure

If your child needs a filling, knowing what to expect can help both of you feel more relaxed. Here’s a simple step-by-step overview of how the procedure usually goes:

Numbing the area: The dentist will apply a numbing gel and possibly a local anesthetic to make sure your child doesn’t feel pain during the treatment.
Removing the decay: The decayed part of the tooth is gently cleaned out using special dental tools.
Placing the filling: Once the tooth is clean, the dentist fills the space with a safe dental material like composite or amalgam.
Shaping and polishing: The filling is shaped so it fits your child’s bite, then polished so it feels smooth and natural in the mouth. [5]

Dentists who treat children are specially trained to keep them calm and comfortable. They may use calming voices, distractions like cartoons, or even safe sedation options if needed. Pediatric dentists focus not just on fixing the tooth but on making sure the visit is a positive experience. [6]

The whole process usually takes about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity. Most children can go back to school or normal activities right after the appointment.

Aftercare and Recovery Tips for Parents

After your child gets a dental filling, it’s normal to have a few questions about what happens next. Here’s what you can expect and how you can help them recover smoothly at home.

What to Expect After the Appointment

Right after the filling, your child’s mouth may still feel numb for a few hours. They might talk a little funny or accidentally bite their cheek or tongue, so it’s important to remind them to be gentle until the numbness wears off.

Some kids may feel mild soreness around the treated tooth for a day or two. This is normal and usually goes away on its own.

Tips to Reduce Discomfort

If your child says their tooth feels a bit sore, you can:

Offer soft foods to avoid chewing pressure
Use over-the-counter pain relief (like children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if the dentist recommends it
Place a cold compress on the cheek if there’s any swelling or discomfort [7]

Let your dentist know if pain lasts more than a few days or gets worse.

Foods to Avoid for a Few Days

To protect the filling and avoid discomfort, it’s best for your child to avoid:

Sticky or chewy snacks like gum, caramels, or taffy
Hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candy
Very hot or cold drinks if their tooth is sensitive

Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, or pasta until your child feels back to normal

Schedule A Consultation Today with Englewood Dental, NJ!

At Englewood Dental in New Jersey, we’re always happy to answer any questions and provide extra guidance to make sure your child heals comfortably after their filling.

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