What should be done about children's dental caries? Doctors recommend: X-ray examination and timely dental fillings!
Disease description:
My child is 8 years old, and I recently noticed some cavities (dental caries). The dentist recommended taking X-rays for examination and timely dental fillings. Is this appropriate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Children's dental caries may result from a preference for sweet foods and insufficient oral hygiene awareness, making teeth susceptible to bacterial erosion and subsequent cavity formation.
In the early stages of tooth decay, demineralization and discoloration might only affect the tooth surface. If left untreated, the decay may progressively worsen, reaching deeper layers and invading the dental pulp, leading to pain, swelling, and even affecting the development of permanent tooth buds. Radiographic examination can clearly reveal the extent and severity of decay, as well as the condition of the tooth roots, providing accurate information for treatment planning. It is recommended to follow the dentist's advice.
Prior to radiographic examination, parents should calm their child's emotions and reduce fear. After the examination, if fillings are required, parents should actively cooperate with the dentist. During the filling procedure, children should be instructed not to move around to avoid injury to the oral tissues from dental instruments. After the filling, parents should encourage good oral hygiene practices, including brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing after meals, reducing intake of sweet foods, and scheduling regular dental check-ups to prevent caries in other teeth.
