Currently, more than 90% of Americans have at least one cavity by their 21st birthday. So, it’s safe to say tooth decay isn’t an oral health concern among adults alone. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently estimates that about 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one cavity. If left untreated, root canals for kids become necessary. Keep reading to learn more about this tooth-saving treatment!
3 Common Culprits of Tooth Decay in Children
Despite the fact that tooth decay is largely preventable, it continues to be one of the most common oral health problems among children. Most times, it’s due to unhealthy dental habits like:
- Consuming sugar in excess
- Not implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen
- Skipping biannual dental checkups and cleanings
What Happens During a Pulpectomy?
If your child’s pediatric dentist determines that a root canal is needed to restore a decayed or damaged tooth, then it’s important not to postpone treatment. When it comes time for the appointment, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area of your child’s mouth their dental team will be working on. From there, a rubber dam is placed over the tooth, which will keep it clear of bacteria and saliva. After this, the decay will be removed, and the inside of the tooth will be disinfected. The next step is to fill the canals with a material that will restore the look and function of their tooth.
Why Not Just Have the Tooth Removed?
Many parents often wonder if a root canal is necessary, especially if the tooth is going to fall out anyway. The short answer is that each of your child’s teeth play a role in their ability to chew properly and speak clearly. Since removing their teeth before they naturally fall out can have a negative impact, the ideal choice is always to preserve them.
4 Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Decay-Free
The good news is that with the right best practices in place, you can significantly lower your child’s risk of needing a root canal. Here are a few to implement:
- Brushing for two full minutes with an appropriately sized toothbrush.
- Flossing daily (as soon as they have two teeth that touch).
- Eating well-balanced meals and being mindful of sugar consumption.
- Visiting their dentist every six months, starting at their first birthday.
There is a silver lining when you hear that your kid needs a root canal: their tooth can be saved! If you have any questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask their pediatric dentist.
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is united behind our mission to help growing smiles stay happy and healthy. That starts with thorough checkups and refreshing cleanings and extends to meticulous restorative care, like root canals. If your child has one or more teeth that have been compromised, we can help restore the look and function. To learn more about root canals or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (781) 767-7200.