“Do we need to turn that frown upside-down?”
It’s a sweet and simple enough question, but how you bring your child’s smile back will depend greatly on what caused them to grimace in the first place. And there’s no shortage of potential smile dampeners.
Thankfully, early cavity detection can help prevent dental woes from becoming the cause! Here’s what you need to know:
Making the Case Against Cavities
Early detection of a child’s cavities is imperative as, if left to further develop, a cavity may impair their overall quality of life.
“If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to pain, the spread of infection, loss of teeth and loss of
self-confidence,” the American Dental Association (ADA) reports. “It is much simpler and more affordable to prevent tooth decay than to repair or replace a decayed tooth.”
Even if the tooth in question is a baby tooth, not a permanent “adult” tooth, it must still be properly treated in order to avoid ongoing complications. For example, root canals and extractions aside, untreated cavities may develop into dental infections.
That being said, not all cavities require tooth extraction. Oftentimes, they can be treated early or simply be filled.
Catching Cavities with Quality Technology
The best way to ensure your child’s cavities are detected early is to schedule routine appointments with their pediatric dentist. Not only will these professionals know what to look for, but they will be equipped with the technology to make the process as quick and painless as possible.
“Some dentists … use high-tech devices such as lasers to detect cavities,” Colgate explains. “Under many conditions, these devices can detect very early tooth decay, which can actually be reversed.”
What’s more, some physicians now utilize the Electronic Cavity Detection (ECD) System, which utilizes electrical conductance as opposed to x-rays.
Approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, clinical trials completed by the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine showed that “the ECD was up to 96 percent accurate in detecting microscopic pre-cavity enamel lesions.”
The Sooner You Call, The Brighter the Smile!
When you work with the right pediatric dental team, not only will your child walk away with a healthy smile, but they’ll be comforted knowing that they will be visiting a welcoming environment!
After all, here at Setzer, Cochran, Soares, and Hubbard Pediatric Dentistry, our team of board-certified dentists is committed to keeping your child as happy and healthy as possible.
And when it comes to conquering cavities? Well, we’ve got that covered!
To learn more about how we can help your child grow into healthy oral hygiene habits, reach out to our team today! Once you schedule an appointment, we guarantee you’ll be left with nothing but smiles.