No one wants to hear from the dentist that their kid has cavities. Thankfully, there are several dental care options to get your child's teeth back on track. The best course of action depends on the extent of the cavity. Here are a few options to discuss with your child's dentist.

What Your Child's Dental Care Provider Can Do About Cavities

1. Fluoride

Dental enamel needs a steady supply of fluoride to replenish minerals which leach out of it over time. Your dentist will likely recommend a fluoride treatment, even if your child's teeth are perfectly healthy. However, it can also help reverse the damage caused by the beginning stages of tooth decay. Catching cavities early and treating them with fluoride is the least-invasive option, which is why it's so important for your child to have frequent exams and cleanings.

2. Fillings

If the cavity is too deep to resolve with fluoride, it will need to be cleaned out and filled. Modern dentists offer both metal amalgam and tooth-colored resin fillings. Resin is usually preferred for front teeth because it’s almost invisible, while many dentists recommend metal amalgam for the back teeth because it's softer and causes less wear on the opposite tooth.

3. Crowns

If your child's tooth is severely decayed, they might need a dental crown. This is essentially a cap which fits over the tooth, creating a new surface. It can replace large sections of enamel lost to cavities and will also help strengthen and hold together the remaining tooth structure.

The sooner your child's cavities can be treated, the easier and less intensive their dental care will be. If you're worried about your child's dental health, contact Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Based in Anchorage, Dr. Chris Coplin and his experienced, compassionate staff offer friendly and comfortable dental care for kids of all ages. Their comprehensive services allow you to get all of your child's dental needs taken care of under one roof. To schedule a visit, call (907) 274-2525, or visit them online to learn more about their emergency dentistry services.