As your child gets older, their baby teeth fall out naturally and are replaced with their permanent, adult teeth. Before these baby teeth fall out, they can get cavities caused by tooth decay.
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they still need tooth fillings for cavities, just like adult teeth. Brent Herrin, DMD, and Allison Petty, DMD, from Herrin Pediatric Dentistry in Marietta, GA, explain why baby teeth also need fillings.
Even though baby teeth come out on their own eventually, your child still needs to get a filling if they develop a cavity. The reasons to fill a cavity in a baby tooth include:
If a baby tooth cavity isn’t filled promptly, it can create problems down the road when your child gets permanent teeth. Any cavities, especially unfilled ones, increase the risk of your child getting cavities in permanent teeth.
When a cavity doesn’t get filled in a baby tooth, it can eventually grow into the root of the permanent tooth that replaces it. This can cause your child to need a filling or root canal in their new adult tooth.
Untreated tooth infections and pulling baby teeth early also negatively impact the tooth’s ability to hold the space needed for adult teeth. This can cause your child’s permanent teeth to grow in more slowly or crookedly and increase the odds your child needs orthodontics.
A cavity in a baby tooth is a minor infection in your child’s mouth. If the infection is treated early with a cavity filling, it can be safely and quickly removed from the body.
Untreated cavities spread infections, first deep into the tooth, then into the jaw, and throughout the body. Your child could need a tooth extraction or broad-spectrum antibiotics and be at risk for various systemic health issues.
Small cavities are often undetectable, but they can become extremely painful as they get bigger. Not filling the cavity risks subjecting your child to discomfort that makes it more difficult to sleep and concentrate.
Healthy teeth are also important to your child’s development. An untreated cavity, or pulled severely infected tooth, can make speaking and eating more difficult.
Not all cavities have symptoms, but our team can detect cavities as part of routine dental examinations. Bringing your child in for these exams every six months helps detect cavities early
Some cavities cause symptoms, including tooth pain, red or swollen gums, and tooth sensitivity. You should have your child’s teeth checked immediately if they have cavity symptoms instead of waiting for the next routine examination.
In the early stages, getting a baby tooth cavity filled is a simple procedure at Herrin Pediatric Dentistry. Our team is specially trained in working with young children, including using sedation dentistry when needed to keep your child comfortable.
Proper tooth care helps your child have healthy permanent teeth down the road, including getting cavities filled when needed. If you suspect your child might have a cavity, contact us to make an appointment.
