As the parent or guardian of your child or toddler, one of your most significant responsibilities is helping your little one care for their teeth and gums until they’re big enough to do it themselves. However, some well-meaning adults assume that cavities in their kids’ baby teeth don’t matter or require treatment.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Continue reading to learn more about how your pediatric dentist handles tooth decay, and why it’s so important to seek help as soon as your child exhibits signs of a developing problem.
Does Tooth Decay Matter in Baby Teeth?
Although every child is unique, most kids reach certain developmental milestones at similar ages. For instance, typically they sprout their first tooth by the time they turn one year old, which is when the American Dental Association recommends having their first routine dental exam.
Then, most children lose their baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12 to make room for their permanent ones to arrive. As a result, some parents have assumed that cavities in their child’s primary teeth don’t matter in the long run, because they eventually fall out.
However, the truth is that caries are contagious, meaning tooth decay can spread from one tooth to another, or even affect your child’s gum tissues or jawbone. Unfortunately, this can potentially negatively affect how their adult teeth develop and grow.
Do My Child’s Cavities Require Treatment?
Tooth decay for adults almost always necessitates treatment because oral issues don’t resolve themselves, but grow progressively worse the longer they go unaddressed. But it’s natural to wonder whether your child requires a filling if their tooth will likely fall out anyway.
But only your child’s pediatric dentist is qualified to assess your little one’s condition and provide suitable treatment options, so it’s best to make an appointment sooner rather than later. Then, based on your child’s current dental condition and how close the damaged tooth is to falling out, they can provide a more detailed plan of action.
How Do Pediatric Dentists Treat Cavities?
Before your pediatric dentist can suggest appropriate treatments, they must examine your child’s teeth and gums, and may need to take diagnostic X-rays or other scans to determine the extent of any damage done. Once that’s completed, they can recommend appropriate services, such as placing a tooth-colored filling or a metal-free dental crown, to rebuild the damaged tooth’s appearance and function.
If you suspect your child has developed tooth decay, contacting their dentist as soon as possible can help avoid progressive problems, including cavities!
Meet the Author
Dr. Nisha Mehta is passionate about helping kids from 0 to 18 build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. She earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois Chicago, where she remained to complete her Master’s in Oral Sciences. Today, she is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and offers a complete menu of services, including tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns, to meet your child’s unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (281) 849-3003.