3 Ways Cavities Are Damaging for Kids
Posted on November 9, 2023
Cavities in kids are more than just a minor inconvenience. Just as with adults, cavities can have major consequences for a child’s oral health, overall well-being, and even their future development. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, children ages two to five have three primary teeth that need fillings and two decaying teeth on average. Our team is proud to provide quality dental care for kids to help improve the oral health of all your younger children, and we’re always eager to help families learn how best to prevent and address cavities. This includes addressing how cavities can impact your kids.
1. Cavities Cause Pain and Discomfort
A cavity is essentially a very tiny hole within the tooth that’s been caused by the erosion of tooth enamel. Just as with a puncture to the skin, this puncture into the tooth can cause intense pain and discomfort for children. The pain can negatively impact their ability to eat and even speak. The pain and aggravation may cause them to lose focus at school and home. Good dental care for kids, which involves regular check-ups and preventative measures, works to identify and address cavities in their earliest stages. Catching cavities early goes a long way in minimizing a child’s pain and discomfort.
2. Cavities Can Impact Nutrition and Growth
Painful cavities can lead to a child having difficulty chewing and swallowing food. This negatively impacts nutrition, and the child may either eat fewer meals, or eat meals with lower nutritional values that don’t hurt their teeth. Over time, a child who isn’t getting an adequate nutrient intake or otherwise making consistently poor dietary choices may see their growth and development hindered.
3. Cavities Can Lead to Serious Oral Health Complications
Cavities are not something to be ignored, as doing so risks serious oral health issues. A cavity can quickly develop into an abscess and incite an infection, both of which can result in tooth loss. Some people think this is okay if the tooth being impacted is a primary or baby tooth that will be lost anyway. However, premature loss of primary teeth can result in issues with the alignment of their permanent teeth, leading to orthodontic needs in the future, like braces.
Contact Creekside Smiles
Taking care of your child’s teeth and teaching them proper oral hygiene is essential for your child’s well-being. To schedule their next dentist appointment or to learn more about proper dental care for kids, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Creekside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry today.
