A stress-free guide to dealing with your child’s first cavity

While many parents dream of their children growing up to adulthood without a single cavity in sight, it is sadly common to have fillings at a young age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of children ages 5 to 9 have at least one cavity filling. With the right support from both parents and the family dentist, a child’s first cavity filling experience can be both comfortable and educational.

Symptoms of caries in children

Older children are usually quick to notify their parents of any dental pain; however, young children may have trouble communicating with parents about their specific foods. Also, cavities don’t always cause pain, so they’re not diagnosed until the child’s biannual visit. Some symptoms of tooth decay in children include:

• Chewing only on one side of the mouth

• White chalky spots on teeth or other discoloration

• For young children, excessive crying for no apparent reason could indicate painful cavities

• Your child complains that brushing and/or flossing hurts.

• Your child has a swollen cheek accompanied by a fever

If your child has any of the above symptoms, call your dentist right away to schedule a dental exam. In the meantime, you can give him an ice pack to hold against his cheek to relieve pain or swelling.

How to prepare your child for the filling procedure

If your dentist has diagnosed your child with their first cavity, it is important that you remain calm in front of the child. Appearing nervous or stressed will make the child believe that he must be afraid of having his cavity filled. Other tips for preparing the cavity filler are:

• Use non-intimidating dental language, such as telling your children they have a “bad tooth” instead of a cavity

• Educate your children about cavities using picture books or online resources

• Guide your child through the procedure by playing “pretend dentist” with them.

• Answer your child’s questions, but don’t talk too much about the procedure.

When preparing a child for their first filling, it is important to be honest and relaxed. You should avoid making a big deal out of the procedure or displaying dental fears.

Cavity Prevention Tips

Your child’s first cavity filling is a wake-up call for any negative dental hygiene habits they may have picked up. Cavity prevention education for children goes a long way toward ensuring they have healthy, strong teeth throughout their lives. Here are some tips to help prevent more cavities in your little ones:

• Limit sugary drinks like sodas or fruit juices.

• Clean your child’s teeth with a damp cloth or toothbrush as soon as they erupt.

• Take children for semi-annual dental visits before they are one year old

• Don’t leave a bottle with your baby or toddler overnight.

• Practice proper brushing and flossing in front of your child.

• Supervise your children’s brushing and flossing.

Going to the dentist for your child’s first cavity filling doesn’t have to be a nightmare. As long as you properly prepare your child (and yourself!) for the procedure, your appointment should be quick and hassle-free. To prevent more cavities in the future, it may be time to sit down with your dentist and discuss changes you could make to your child’s diet or dental hygiene routine.