As a parent, keeping your child’s smile healthy is a top priority. But even with great brushing habits and a sugar-conscious diet, cavities can still happen. At Corner Canyon Family Dental in Draper, Utah, we specialize in helping families understand how to prevent, detect, and treat cavities in children with gentle, effective pediatric dental care—including fillings.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
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What causes cavities in kids
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How to spot the signs of tooth decay
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When fillings are needed
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What the pediatric dental filling process looks like
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How to prevent cavities moving forward
Whether your child already has a cavity or you’re just looking to stay informed, we’ve got you covered.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
Cavities—also called dental caries—are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar and produce acid. Over time, that acid wears away the tooth enamel, creating tiny holes in the teeth. If not treated, cavities can grow, causing pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
Common causes of cavities in kids include:
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Poor brushing and flossing habits
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Frequent snacking or sugary drinks
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Lack of fluoride
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Deep grooves in the molars where food gets stuck
In Draper’s dry climate, hydration can also be a factor. Kids who don’t drink enough water may produce less saliva, which naturally helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
How Do I Know If My Child Has a Cavity?
The best way to catch a cavity early is through regular pediatric dental checkups. But here are some signs that might suggest your child has a cavity:
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Complaints of tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
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Visible holes or pits in the teeth
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Brown or white spots on the surface of a tooth
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Pain when chewing
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Swelling or tenderness around a specific tooth
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a Draper pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
When Are Fillings Needed?
If your child has a cavity that’s too deep to be reversed with fluoride treatment alone, a dental filling is usually the best option. Fillings stop the decay from spreading and restore the tooth’s normal function and appearance.
At Corner Canyon Family Dental, we offer tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in naturally with your child’s smile. We use gentle techniques and a friendly, comforting approach to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
What Happens During a Pediatric Filling?
We understand that visiting the dentist can make some kids nervous, so we always take time to explain the process in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s what typically happens during a pediatric filling appointment:
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Numbing the area: We’ll apply a topical anesthetic to make sure your child is comfortable.
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Removing the decay: Using gentle tools, we carefully remove the damaged portion of the tooth.
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Placing the filling: A tooth-colored resin is applied in layers and cured with a special light.
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Shaping and polishing: The filling is shaped to match your child’s bite and polished to feel smooth and natural.
The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is done in one visit.
Why Choose Corner Canyon Family Dental for Pediatric Fillings in Draper?
We know families in Draper are looking for high-quality care from a team they can trust. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Family-friendly environment
✅ Kid-approved comfort techniques
✅ Experienced in pediatric dental care
✅ Convenient Draper location
✅ Flexible scheduling and same-day appointments
✅ Modern technology for efficient treatment
Our goal is to make sure every child feels safe and supported during their visit—whether it’s a routine cleaning or a filling.
Preventing Future Cavities
Once your child has had a cavity, it’s important to take steps to prevent more from forming. Here are our top tips for preventing cavities in kids:
🪥 Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
🧵 Floss daily to remove food between teeth
💧 Drink lots of water, especially after snacks
🍎 Limit sugary snacks and drinks (especially sticky treats)
🦷 Visit us every 6 months for cleanings and checkups
🛡️ Ask about dental sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of molars