What to Expect After Your Child's Cavity Filling

So, your child has a cavity — while that certainly isn’t great news, it’s also not something to be overly worried about. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that more than half of kids ages 6–8 have a cavity in their baby teeth. Things don’t get better as kids get older. 

Clearly, cavities are common, but that isn’t really the problem (although good oral health habits can go a long way there). The bigger issue is what happens when the cavity develops, and treating it means stopping the decay from affecting your child enough to cause them pain, impact their jaw health, and more. 

That’s where Irene Zaki, DDS, comes in. Here at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California, she can spot cavities early and fill them, protecting your child from discomfort and bigger oral health problems. Getting your child’s cavity filled at our office can be painless and fast. 

Then, it’s time to head home. And knowing what you do next can go a long way toward helping your child avoid future cavities. In fact, Dr. Zaki has some care tips to help you navigate the period after your child’s filling. 

Keep brushing and flossing

You don’t need to worry about cleaning your child’s mouth differently after a filling. It’s perfectly safe for them to keep using a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss or a water pick right after their filling appointment.

The only caveat here is that they may need to be careful about how they floss around the filling to prevent it from dislodging. Dr. Zaki can talk with you and your child about how to keep the area clean while protecting the filling. 

Monitor them for discomfort

Your child should have little to no pain after their filling, but keep an eye on them. If they have any discomfort, you can apply an ice pack to the side of their face where they had the filling for 15 minutes at a time. 

Use their diet to your advantage

Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps your child stay healthy — and that extends to their oral health. 

On the flip side, too many sugary drinks and snacks aren’t just bad for their overall health. Sugar promotes the growth of plaque, which is the root cause of your child’s cavity. Try to limit their sugar intake and encourage them to brush their teeth right after dessert. 

Also, for the first couple of days, avoid straws and sippy cups. 

Schedule regular cleanings

Talk with Dr. Zaki about how frequently to schedule your child’s professional teeth cleanings. Generally, that should be every 3-6 months so that Dr. Zaki can check your child’s mouth and catch issues early. She might even be able to spot and stop decay before it turns into another cavity. 

You don’t have to monitor and maintain your child’s oral health alone. For guidance after their cavity and help preventing another one, call our office or book a visit online today.