5 Simple Ways to Help Children Avoid Cavities
Setting up your child’s dental hygiene routine does not need to be too complicated, and you can adopt five simple yet effective ways to help them avoid cavities.
Dental fillings are materials used to repair teeth that are damaged by tooth decay. When teeth are eroded by bacteria, sugars and/or acid, a hole is left in the tooth. The dentist will remove the damaged tooth structure and bacteria hiding in the hole; and the clean empty space is filled with a special material to plug the gap. Fillings help prevent the cavity from becoming bigger as the bacteria causing tooth decay is now removed. The hole where the bacteria can hide is now sealed and it is tougher for bacteria to creep in.
Getting a dental filling is a quick and simple process that usually only requires one visit to your dentist.
Your dentist will first examine your teeth and take Xrays to see how deep the cavity is.
If the cavity is shallow, no anesthesia is needed. If the decay is deeper, the dentist will give a small injection to the tooth to numb it and keep you comfortable during the visit.
The dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth using a special drill. The cavity is then cleaned and prepped to remove any leftover bacteria or debris.
The filling material is usually into the cavity in a few steps. A tooth colored sticky resin material is layered in and hardened with a dental light. This seals the hole that is caused by tooth decay.
The dentist will then shape and polish the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth and ensure the filling blends smoothly with your remaining tooth structure.
The dentist will check your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable. We may also make small adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural.
The procedure usually takes 15 minutes to an 45minutes, depending on the depth and size of the cavity size. The tooth may feel a little sensitive to cold water for a few days as it adjusts to this new filling.
Cavities can form in any tooth, but they’re most common in the back teeth (molars) because molars have natural grooves on the teeth that trap sticky food. Impacted wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of tooth decay on the tooth next to it as it is so difficult to clean. Leaving a cavity untreated is not a viable option as it will trap even more bacteria and food, leading to a bigger cavity! People who have poor oral hygiene or a diet high in sugary foods are at a higher risk of developing cavities.
Some people have deep grooves and pits in their teeth that are hard to clean. These can trap food and bacteria which can turn into cavities with time. Your dentist may suggest smoothening these grooves preventively and doing a preventive filling to make the grooves easier to clean.
It’s not fun to have a broken front tooth! A filling is done for esthetic reasons and help protect the sensitive inner layer of the tooth.
Old fillings can wear out, leak ,or come loose after many years, so you may need your fillings refreshed or replaced to plug any leaks or holes in your teeth.
If you notice pain, sensitivity, or visible holes in your teeth, please visit your dentist to learn more!
If you notice pain, sensitivity, or visible holes in your teeth, please visit your dentist to learn more!
There are different materials used for fillings, including:
To keep your fillings in good shape, follow these tips:
Stay away from hard foods like ice, very hard nuts or hard candy, which can crack or damage fillings.
If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about using a night guard to protect your fillings.
Visit your dentist every 6 months to check the condition of your fillings and keep your teeth healthy. Fillings can leak every few years. So we will need to take dental Xrays to detect these minor leaks.
If you experience pain or sensitivity around a filling, visit your dentist right away to prevent further issues (like root canal issues).
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they encourage leaks between the filling and tooth and contribute to tooth decay.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your fillings last longer and your smile stays healthy!
Periodontist - Special interest in digital dental implants and root recession coverage
Dr. Hu Cidong graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and subsequently completed his Master's in Dental Surgery (Periodontology) at NUS.
Orthodontist - Special Interest In Invisalign And Growth Modulation
Dr Ivan Prabowo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from NUS in 2008. He honed his skills in government polyclinics and hospitals before embarking on his orthodontics residency, supported by the Alexandra Health scholarship.
General Dentist - Creative Smile Design and Aesthetics
Dr Kayla Toh graduated with the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) from the National University of Singapore. She was awarded the IFDEA Medal for being the best student in Paediatric Dentistry. She is also the recipient of the 1st runner up-prize for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme.
General Dentist - Your All-in-one Family Dentist
Dr. Yuan graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She has amassed a wealth of experience working in government institutions such as polyclinics, the National Dental Centre, the Institute of Mental Health, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, as well as nearly 10 years of experience in the private sector.
Orthodontic Resident - Special Interest In Invisalign And Aesthetic Dentistry
Dr Carla Andreina graduated from the University of Glasgow (UK) with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and was awarded the Head of College Scholars’ List for her achievements. She went on to pursue her passion in teeth straightening and is undergoing her Masters degree in Orthodontics in the National University of Singapore (NUS), while also honing her skills in clear aligner techniques through mini residency structured programmes.
Paediatric Specialist - Tooth Fairy To Your Child; With Special Interest In Nitrous Sedation And Early Orthodontics
Dr Sulin Quak graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from NUS and was awarded the IFDEA Prize as the best student in Paediatric Dentistry upon graduation. With a keen interest in children's dentistry, Dr Quak further pursued a full-time Masters degree in paediatric dentistry, where upon completion, she emerged top in her cohort and was awarded the Medal and Prize for Best Student in the final Masters of Dental Surgery examination.
Setting up your child’s dental hygiene routine does not need to be too complicated, and you can adopt five simple yet effective ways to help them avoid cavities.
When it comes to maintaining and improving children’s dental health, paying attention to nutrition and diet can be just as important as good brushing habits. Choosing teeth-healthy foods helps provide…
One of the most common causes of mouth breathing is a blocked nose due to allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. These can obstruct their airways, forcing them to…
Setting up your child’s dental hygiene routine does not need to be too complicated, and you can adopt five simple yet effective ways to help them avoid cavities.
When it comes to maintaining and improving children’s dental health, paying attention to nutrition and diet can be just as important as good brushing habits. Choosing teeth-healthy foods helps provide…
Take care of your teeth and enjoy a healthy smile!
Contact Information
Information
Family Dentistry
Smile Design
Sedation Dentistry
Family Dentistry
Smile Design
Sedation Dentistry
© 2025 Le By An Dental Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Website By Cleverly SG
