Cavities are among the most common dental concerns in toddlers, children, and adults. Although primary(baby) teeth eventually fall out in childhood, leaving cavities untreated can result in further complications in adolescence and adulthood. Cavities most often occur from inadequate oral hygiene, such as poor brushing and flossing or missing routine dental checkups.

Cavities form as a result of plaque buildup as the sticky substance eats away at tooth enamel, the surface layer of teeth. As enamel deteriorates, it creates a hole where the cavity resides. Plaque naturally occurs in the mouth when combined with saliva, acid, and food. To prevent cavity formation, it is important to brush and floss twice a day and rinse after every meal.

The process of having a tooth extraction

At CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles, we perform a tooth extraction in the least invasive manner possible to shorten the recovery time. We will need the patient to remain in the office for around an hour after the procedure. During this time, we will verify the bleeding has slowed down and the anesthesia has worn off. It is important for the parent to monitor the child after the procedure as well. At home, keep an eye on your child and make sure he or she gets some rest. Be sure to have your child drink plenty of water, avoiding anything that is too hot or too cold as the teeth can be sensitive for the first couple of days.

We also recommend avoiding the use of a straw for the first few days, since the suction could cause the affected area to start bleeding. How the procedure was completed will influence how long it takes to recover. In general, the swelling will go down after a few days. In our family dentist office, we recommend taking ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling and to use an ice pack/cold compress for 15 minutes at a time. During the recovery, your child should eat foods that are high in nutrition and soft. Drinking a smoothie with vegetables, fruit, yogurt and protein powder is an excellent way to keep your child’s nutrition levels up without needing to bite down on anything.

As your child adds other foods back in, be sure to start with things that are soft, like noodles, gradually working up to a full diet. While caring for your child’s mouth after a tooth extraction, he or she will also need to keep the mouth as clean as possible. Have your child brush the surrounding teeth like normal and be careful to avoid the surgical site. Your child can also rinse with a mixture of water and baking soda (or an antibacterial mouthwash) to reduce the risk of an infection developing. We may want to see your child for a follow-up appointment as well.

Signs that your child might need a tooth extraction

At CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles, we practice preventative care and can help in an emergency situation. If your child feels intense discomfort in a tooth or the jaw, give us a call. The pain could be a sign of a dental abscess or severe infection. Simultaneously, if it hurts to bite down or chew, this can also be an indication of a cavity or infection. Other signs, like puss or bleeding, indicate that you should call 760-383-8301 and schedule an appointment with our family dentistry office right away.

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