Tooth decay and dental cavities are common problems among children. Decay can affect primary or baby teeth, causing discomfort and pain. When decay reaches inside the tooth, we will recommend pediatric root canal treatment in our Worcester, MA, office. Root canal treatment for children is one of the pediatric dentistry services we provide to the public. A root canal can remove infected dental pulp and preserve the tooth.
But what causes tooth decay? Bacteria. While not all bacteria in the mouth are harmful, some can contribute to tooth decay. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches left in the mouth. Their digestive acids damage the outer layer of the teeth or the tooth enamel, creating decay.
Removing this harmful bacteria is essential to preventing tooth loss. Treatments like pediatric root canals can remove infection and keep teeth healthy.
Signs of Tooth Decay in Children
We recommend that parents watch out for signs of decay, such as white, brown, or black spots on their child’s teeth. White spots indicate decalcification of the enamel, areas more susceptible to decay. Black and brown spots are more often indicative of a cavity.
Other signs of tooth decay in children include:
- Holes or pits in teeth (cavities)
- Tooth pain
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when eating
Once tooth decay creates holes in the teeth, it’s a good indicator that your child needs a root canal. Cavities can expose the cells, nerves, and blood vessels, or dental pulp, within the tooth to harmful bacteria. Your child can lose their tooth if we cannot remove this infected dental pulp.
Losing a baby tooth may not seem as serious as losing a permanent tooth. However, baby teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth. You can impact your child’s oral development if you do not care for their baby teeth.
What are Early Childhood Caries?
Children are more prone to tooth decay and cavities because they are more likely to consume sugar and carbohydrates. Some foods and drinks, especially those targeted at children, can hide high amounts of sugar. Younger patients may also not know the proper way to brush and floss. This allows decay-causing bacteria to build in the mouth.
Early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle decay in younger children, is marked by decay on multiple teeth. Baby bottles can cause decay if children are sent to bed with drinks like milk, juice, or formula. These drinks bathe their teeth in sugar for hours. If most of the teeth have decay, patients may require root canal treatment, fillings, or even extractions.
We do not recommend a carbohydrate or sugar-free diet. However, children benefit from a balanced diet with the occasional soda, cookies, chips, or other simple sugars. We also recommend a good oral hygiene routine to prevent cavities.
Pediatric Root Canal Treatment in Worcester, MA
If your child experiences tooth pain, discoloration, or sensitivity, please get in touch with our office. We will take dental X-rays to find the teeth affected by decay and plan treatment for your child. Endodontics for children can save teeth.
There are two common root canal treatments: a pulpotomy and a pulpectomy. A pulpectomy removes the dental pulp or all the infected tissue in the crown and root.
Our office provides a pulpotomy. A pulpotomy removes decay from the crown of the tooth. When we provide a pulpotomy, we numb the tooth and remove inflamed tissue from the crown, leaving the tooth root.
We may use a laser or dental surgical instruments to remove the decay. Then, we will use composite material to fill the empty portion of the tooth.
Painless Root Canal
We ensure your child feels comfortable during pediatric root canal treatment in our Worcester, MA, office. Our office understands that the thought of this procedure is scary for children and adults. We will numb your child’s tooth before the tooth extraction.
If your child requires more lengthy treatment, we will use sedation. Sedation is safe and ensures your child does not feel pain or anxiety during treatment. We can easily reverse sedation as needed and monitor your child during treatment.
Preventing Cavities in Children
Cavities are a common dental problem among children. There are many preventative options against cavities in children:
Healthy Diet
You don’t have to eliminate sugar in your child’s diet. We recommend a balanced diet with healthy foods and treats. Look at nutrition labels for your child’s snacks, including juice, milk, and sports drinks. These drinks can hide high amounts of sugar.
We also recommend introducing more water into your child’s diet. Water helps increase saliva in the mouth and helps wash away food debris and bacteria that create decay.
If you use formula, don’t put your child to bed with a bottle. Supervise them when they use their bottle and clean their mouth afterward.
Oral Hygiene
Even before your child’s teeth emerge, you can clean their gums. When their teeth grow in, use an infant toothbrush and pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush their teeth.
Once your child is old enough to begin brushing and flossing independently, supervise them. Ensure they floss before brushing and brush for two minutes twice daily. At-home dental care is one of the best preventive treatments against tooth decay. Regularly removing harmful bacteria from the mouth can prevent the progression of tooth infection.
Regular Visits
We recommend that your child visits the dentist every six months. During routine dental visits, we thoroughly clean bacteria and food debris from the mouth. Our office will provide an examination and take X-rays before these cleanings to look for signs of gum and tooth decay. We can also give you and your child tips on caring for their teeth and gums.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Have you noticed new developments in your child’s smile? Call our office for an examination today at (508) 625-5534 or schedule a dental visit for your child online. A pediatric root canal in our Worcester, MA, office can remove decay and prevent the need for extraction.
Please let us know if you have questions about pediatric root canals or cavity treatment for children. We’re here to help.