Is It Necessary to Fill a Cavity in a Baby Tooth

Baby teeth are very important and need be cared for just like permanent teeth. Read this guide and discover here if fillings in baby teeth are necessary.

The worst has happened: you've taken your child to the dentist, and he or she has a cavity in a baby tooth. Many parents' natural reaction is to assume that just because the tooth is a baby tooth, there's nothing to worry about.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Baby teeth are very important for your baby's health, and they shouldn't be discounted simply because they'll fall out eventually. Ensuring your child can eat well, speak correctly, and have healthy baby teeth, means getting fillings in baby teeth.

If you're still not convinced, keep reading!

The Truth About Fillings in Baby Teeth

You might be asking yourself "do cavities in baby teeth really need to be filled?" After all, they fall out soon enough, could it really cause that big of a problem in the long run?

According to a 2014 study done by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, almost 60% of children in the US will have tooth decay by age 5. That's a lot of tooth decay!

If left untreated, tooth decay can quickly turn into a painful infection that can lead to malnutrition, difficulty paying attention in school, and possible behavior problems.

Nowadays, it's recommended that children get in to see a dentist before their first birthday. This allows dentists to work closely with parents and other caregivers to ensure the health and longevity of a baby's oral care routine.

What Happens if You Don't Fill Cavities in Baby Teeth?

Several different things can happen if you choose not to fill in the cavities in your child's baby teeth, and they're more widespread than you may think.

Damage to Permanent Teeth Before They Erupt

Baby teeth are thinner than adult teeth, which is why it's so important that they get adequate oral care. It's easy for a small issue to turn into a huge cavity much quicker than they do in adult teeth.

You might think: "Pulling out a baby tooth avoids the expense and hassle of filling in baby teeth." However, baby teeth serve an important role in the health and function of permanent teeth.

They help to guide your development and positioning of adult teeth, and if they are pulled out too soon, it can lead to problems that require braces or other measures to fix.

Prevent Good Nutrition

It's no secret that cavities can lead to serious infections that can be incredibly painful. The pulp of your tooth contains nerve endings that are extremely sensitive to pain, making it difficult to think about anything else when your tooth hurts.

When this pain flares up, kids sometimes find it hard to chew, leading to poor nutritional choices or a complete lack of food intake altogether.

Affected Speech

Untreated cavities lead to tooth decay and rotting, and over time that could mean that baby teeth rot and fall out before they're ready. Teeth play a vital role in our ability to speak, and losing them too soon can cause speech impediments.

Poor Self-Image

Every parent loves seeing their children smile. But when teeth, especially front teeth, start to discolor due to cavities, children may start to feel bad about themselves. Kids spend a lot of time comparing themselves to their peers, and it doesn't take much for them to relate smiling to shame.

Infection Spread

If left untreated, the infections that come from cavities can and will spread to the surrounding areas of your child's mouth and beyond. There is even a link between prolonged exposure to dental infections and heart disease.

Spotting Cavities Early

A typical cavity shouldn't be painful. In fact, by the time a toothache becomes severe, there's a good chance that it has already become an infection that will need advanced care to treat. That's why it's so important to get your child to a dentist on a regular schedule.

However, there are a few signs that could indicate trouble in your child's mouth. they are:

• Toothache or sudden pain with no cause
• Sensitive teeth
• Visible pits or holes
• Brown, black, or white staining

If you're concerned about your child developing cavities in their baby teeth, make sure you're following all oral health care recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

What to Do if Your Child Has Cavities in Baby Teeth

The first thing you should do is get your child in to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Several different things can help when it comes to fillings in baby teeth.

Remineralization

In some cases, if a cavity is small enough, a dentist may want to wait and see what happens. There is a process called remineralization, where the enzymes and compounds in saliva can cause the tooth to heal itself.

If your child's diet is rich in whole, healthy foods and limited in sugar and starch, there's a good chance that a dentist will allow it to recover on its own. However, any diet filled with sugary, starchy foods will only lead to the cavity getting worse over time.

Fillings and Restoration

If mineralization isn't possible, a restorative procedure will need to take place. Fillings and restorations are common practices for both children and adults where the dentist will scrape away the decayed tooth and fill it with a material that will stop the spread of bacteria in that area.

If tooth decay is extreme, a root canal and crown may be necessary.

Keep Your Child's Smile Bright for Life!

Fillings in baby teeth are a common, necessary procedure for a child who has cavities. Pediatric dentists are trained to be quick, gentle, and kind during these procedures to keep your child as relaxed as possible.



It does no good to ignore the problem because, typically, it won't go away. If you think your child has cavities, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible.

For more information about how we can help give you and your loved ones the smile of a lifetime, contact us for an appointment today!

Is It Necessary to Fill a Cavity in a Baby Tooth

Source: https://www.dentalwellwi.com/fillings-in-baby-teeth

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