Cavities in baby teeth: do they need treating?
In short: yes, cavities in baby teeth do need treating, even though those teeth are going to fall out. If the cavity progresses, it hurts, can become infected and damage the permanent tooth coming up underneath, and losing the baby tooth too early can disrupt how the permanent teeth come through. The good news: most childhood cavities can be prevented with good habits.
”If it’s going to fall out, why fill it?”
It’s the most typical question parents ask, and it has a clear answer. While it’s in the mouth, the baby tooth works: the child chews, speaks and, above all, that tooth holds the space for the permanent one that will come through. It’s not a “use-and-throw-away” piece.
If a cavity destroys it too soon, that premature gap can make the neighbouring teeth shift and cause the permanent tooth to come through crooked or without enough space. In other words, a poorly treated cavity today can turn into orthodontics tomorrow.
What happens if it’s left untreated?
A cavity doesn’t stay still:
- It hurts. A child with an advanced cavity has a hard time, especially when eating.
- It gets infected. It can reach the nerve and form an abscess.
- It damages the permanent tooth. The bud of the permanent tooth is forming right underneath; an infection can affect it.
That’s why waiting “for it to fall out” is not a good idea.
The reassuring part: it can be prevented
Most childhood cavities are avoidable. The keys:
- Brushing twice a day with toothpaste containing the right amount of fluoride for their age.
- Watching the sugars, especially sweet drinks, juices and constant snacking.
- Sealants on the molars, a very effective protective layer (sealants and fluoride).
- Regular check-ups, which are partly covered by the PADI.
The message for parents
Baby teeth deserve the same care as permanent ones. Taking the child to the dentist early, treating cavities in time and building good habits is the best investment in their health (and it spares them the fear of the dentist as an adult). We see your child’s first visit in first visit to the dentist.
If you think your child might have a cavity, don’t wait. The first visit is free and we’ll check them over without rushing. Book an appointment whenever you like.
Frequently asked questions
Do cavities in baby teeth need treating?
Yes. Even though they're going to fall out, baby teeth matter: if the cavity progresses, it hurts, it can become infected and damage the permanent tooth coming up underneath. On top of that, losing a baby tooth too early can disrupt how the permanent teeth come through.
Why does a tooth that's going to fall out anyway matter?
Because until it falls out it has jobs to do: chewing, speaking and, above all, holding the space for the permanent tooth. An untreated cavity can hurt, become infected and affect the bud of the permanent tooth forming underneath.
Can cavities in children be prevented?
Largely, yes: brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugars and sweet drinks, sealants on the molars and check-ups. Most childhood cavities are avoidable with good habits from an early age.
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