As a parent, it’s natural to have questions about your child’s dental health. In particular, many parents wonder whether cavities in children’s teeth even need to be filled, given that baby teeth eventually fall out.
The answer is usually yes. Cavities in baby teeth do need to be filled in order to prevent further dental issues and ensure your child’s overall oral health.
At Little London Bites Dentistry, we understand the importance of early dental care and strive to provide answers and guidance for parents. Visit our Children’s Dental Care page to learn more about how we can help keep your child’s smile healthy.
Why Fill Cavities in Baby Teeth?
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a significant role in your child’s development. Here are some reasons why it’s important to fill cavities in baby teeth:
- Maintaining Space for Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, guiding them into the correct position. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, this can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, leading to crowding or misalignment of the permanent teeth.
- Preventing Pain and Infection: Cavities can cause discomfort and pain for your child. If left untreated, a cavity can progress to more serious conditions like tooth abscesses, which can affect the surrounding teeth and gums and may eventually also lead to infections that require more invasive treatment.
- Promoting Proper Chewing and Nutrition: Healthy teeth are essential for proper chewing and digestion. Cavities can make it painful for children to eat, potentially leading to poor nutrition and dietary issues.
- Supporting Speech Development: Baby teeth are important for the development of clear speech. Missing or decayed teeth can affect how your child pronounces words, potentially impacting their speech development.
- Preventing Spread of Decay: Cavities are caused by bacteria that can spread to other teeth. Filling cavities helps stop the spread of decay, protecting the rest of your child’s teeth.
- Esthetics: Cavities that develop in the incisors or the front teeth can negatively affect a child’s smile, and may result in bullying or a decrease in a child’s self-esteem. Promptly filling damaged teeth can help keep your child’s smile happy and healthy!
When Is It Necessary to Fill a Cavity?
The decision to fill a cavity in a baby tooth depends on several factors, including the location and size of the cavity, the age of the child, and how soon the tooth is expected to fall out. Here are some general guidelines:
- Cavities in Front Teeth: If the cavity is in a front tooth and the tooth is expected to fall out soon, your dentist may monitor it rather than fill it, especially if the cavity is small and not causing pain.
- Cavities in Molars: Cavities in molars are usually filled, because these teeth are important for chewing and are generally retained until the child is around 10-12 years old.
- Large or Painful Cavities: Larger cavities, or those causing pain, should be treated promptly to prevent further complications, regardless of the tooth’s location.
- Cavities Close to Permanent Teeth: If a cavity is near the area where a permanent tooth will emerge, filling it can prevent bacteria from spreading to the developing permanent tooth.
Treatment Options for Cavities in Baby Teeth
When it comes to treating cavities in baby teeth, your child’s dentist will propose an approach based on the child’s situation. Here are some common treatment options:
- Fluoride Treatments: If the cavity is caught early and is small enough, fluoride treatments may be used to help remineralize the enamel and stop the decay from progressing.
- Fillings: This is the most common treatment for cavities. The decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the cavity is filled with a material such as composite resin that matches the natural colour of the tooth.
- Crowns: For more extensive decay, a crown may be placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Crowns are often used when a large portion of the tooth is affected, or the tooth has weakened from decay.
- Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal): If the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp (inner tissue), a pulpotomy may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth to prevent further infection.
- Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. If a baby tooth is removed prematurely, your dentist may recommend a space maintainer to keep the other teeth from shifting.
Preventing Cavities in Baby Teeth
While it’s important to address existing cavities, prevention is always the best approach. Here are some tips to help keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free:
- Brush Twice Daily: Help your child brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Floss Daily: Once your child’s teeth start touching, introduce flossing to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth.
- Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Reduce your child’s exposure to sugary snacks and drinks, which contribute to tooth decay.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your child’s oral health and catch any potential issues early.
- Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and sealants, which can help protect your child’s teeth from decay.
The Importance of Treating Cavities in Baby Teeth
While baby teeth aren’t permanent, they play a crucial role in your child’s oral health and overall development. Cavities in baby teeth should be filled, especially if they’re causing pain, affecting chewing, or posing a risk to the health of permanent teeth. By addressing cavities early and following good oral hygiene practices, you can help your child maintain a healthy smile.
At Little London Bites Dentistry, we believe that smiling is a universal language. As such, we’re dedicated to providing the best dental care for children. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your child’s smile bright and healthy.