Pediatric Dentistry News: Cavities and Resin Fillings

For those unaware, childhood cavities are on the rise everywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dentists across the country are seeing a sharp increase in the number of preschoolers that walk through their doors with extensive tooth decay. With these statistics, parents are becoming more concerned with the materials found in dental fillings. Resin fillings have a number of advantages over metal fillings, but they can also contain chemicals that are suspected to cause behavioral or hormonal problems over time.

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in children, and it can be largely prevented through good dental hygiene. Some parents are unaware of the importance of brushing those very first teeth, and may increase their baby's risk of tooth decay by allowing the child to use a bottle or breast instead of a pacifier while sleeping. The presence of sugar from milk, foods, and beverages creates a perfect environment for bacteria to flourish, and this bacteria causes cavities and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing regularly helps regulate that bacteria, and minimizing snacking and sweet drinks can also help reduce the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

In recent years many pediatric dentists have treated prechool children who have multiple cavities. With some children needing more than a dozen fillings, parents and dentists have begun to question the safety of the materials used to fill those cavities. Amalgam, or metal, fillings can be installed quicker and generally cost less, but also require more of the original tooth to be removed in the filling process. Amalgam fillings may be the best choice for cooperative children with few cavities who can remain awake and still for the entire procedure. While amalgam fillings do contain small amounts of mercury, the American Medical Association has studied them extensively and found them to be safe.

Resin, or composite, fillings are made from a variety of materials and are generally more expensive than amalgam fillings. Resin reconstructions require less of the original tooth to be removed, and look like the original tooth when completed, however they take more time to install. Small children with multiple cavities often need to be sedated or put under general anesthesia, and resin fillings are often the choice for these procedures. Recent concerns over the plastics used in composite fillings have led to studies by the American Dental Association. While some preliminary studies may show small behavioral changes in children who receive resin fillings, the ADA still assures parents that fillings containing BPA are still safe.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher in Austin, TX who has had his share of cavities. He encourages his readers with children to learn more about the importance of pediatric dentistry in Austin.

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