Cavities in Children: What Parents Should Know
Dental cavities, also called tooth decay, are one of the most common childhood health conditions, but they are also highly preventable and treatable. At Martindale Smiles, we provide gentle, compassionate cavity treatment for children in a comfortable environment that puts young patients at ease.
Early detection and treatment are key to preventing pain, infection and more extensive dental work. If you think your child may have a cavity, our NE Calgary team is here to help.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Several factors contribute:
- Frequent snacking on sugary or starchy foods and drinks
- Inadequate brushing and flossing
- Not getting enough fluoride
- Bacteria passed on from caregivers
Children are especially vulnerable because their enamel is thinner and their brushing habits are still developing.
Signs of a Cavity in Your Child
Cavities are not always painful at first, so regular exams matter. Watch for:
- White, brown or black spots on a tooth
- Complaints of tooth pain or sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold
- Trouble chewing or avoiding one side of the mouth
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Swollen or red gums near a tooth
- Visible holes or pits in a tooth
Cavities in Baby Teeth and Toddlers
Tooth decay can start as soon as the first teeth appear, and it is common in toddlers who sip juice or milk from a bottle or cup throughout the day. Baby teeth may fall out, but that is not a reason to ignore decay. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection and trouble eating and sleeping.
Baby teeth also hold space for the permanent teeth that follow. If a baby tooth is lost early because of decay, a space maintainer may be needed to keep that space open. Treating cavities early helps your child's permanent teeth come in properly.
How We Treat Cavities in Children
Treatment depends on how severe the cavity is.
- Small cavities are treated with tooth-colored fillings that blend naturally with the tooth.
- More extensive decay may require a dental crown made for children's teeth.
- For very anxious children, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help them feel calm and comfortable during treatment.
Our team uses gentle techniques and positive reinforcement to create a stress-free experience.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Gentle examination. We look carefully at your child's teeth.
- 2Digital X-rays if needed. We use them to assess decay we cannot see.
- 3Discussion of treatment options with parents. We explain what we found and answer your questions.
- 4Comfortable treatment with sedation options. We keep your child relaxed and at ease.
- 5Preventive care recommendations. We show you how to avoid future cavities.
How to Prevent Cavities in Children
- Ask about sealants and fluoride treatment, which protect teeth from decay
- Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and avoid sipping juice or milk all day
- Do not share spoons or cups that pass bacteria to your child
- Keep up regular check-ups so cavities are found early
Why Choose Martindale Smiles for Children's Cavity Treatment
- A child-friendly, nurturing environment
- Gentle, patient dentists experienced with children
- Sedation options for anxious young patients
- Tooth-colored fillings for a natural appearance
- A focus on prevention and education
- Open seven days a week, with same-day appointments available
- Direct insurance billing available
Related Treatments
- Sealants and fluoride treatment in Northeast Calgary: protect your child's teeth before decay starts.
- Space maintainers in Northeast Calgary: keep space open after an early tooth loss.
- Dental cleaning and check-ups in Northeast Calgary: find cavities early with regular visits.
Cost of Cavity Treatment
The cost of treating a cavity depends on the size of the cavity, the number of teeth involved and the type of treatment. A small filling costs less than a crown, which is another reason early detection is important. We explain your options and fees before treatment begins.
We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. Many plans cover fillings for children, and coverage varies. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. To receive a personalized quote, please contact our team.