Should Cavities in Baby Teeth Be Filled?

Do I need to fix cavities in my child’s baby teeth since they’re going to fall out eventually? Should cavities in baby teeth be filled?

These are great questions, and the answer to both is yes. Cavities develop from tooth decay, which happens in the absence of healthy brushing and flossing habits. Untreated cavities can result in infections, which can have lasting effects on your child’s health.

If you’re worried your child might have a cavity, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible, just in case.

Why Fill Cavities in Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth, or primary teeth, aren’t so temporary – they can actually stick around until age 12 or 13. Cavities demand timely treatment. A cavity that goes untreated for a long period of time can lead to harmful infections. But infections aren’t the only reason to take care of cavities promptly:

Chewing with a cavity can cause a great deal of discomfort, which may affect your child’s desire to eat. Hesitance to eat can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Baby teeth play a role in speech development.
Baby teeth clear the path for adult teeth.
Damaged baby teeth can cause issues with jaw alignment and bite.

Preventing Cavities in Baby Teeth

Consuming too much sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. When a child eats sugar and doesn’t brush right away, the sugar helps plaque-boosting bacteria flourish. Plaque leads to decay and cavities. Keep your child’s baby teeth healthy by:

Limiting juice and other sugary beverages.
Limiting candy.
Encouraging brushing after a treat.
Keeping up with routine dentist visits (every six months or so).
Filling the bottle with water if your child likes to sleep with a bottle.
Making brushing fun using songs, stickers, or games.

Getting a Baby Tooth Filled

Filling a cavity in a baby tooth is essentially the same as filling a cavity in an adult tooth. It’s a quick, common process, and it’s crucial in preventing further decay.

Kool Smiles Kids Club’s partner dentists are well-practiced in working with children. There’s no need to stress about the possibility of your young child being resistant to receiving dental care. Our partner clinics have kid-friendly staff who are trained to work with children as young as one year old.

Schedule an Appointment With a Kool Smiles Partner Today

If you think your child might have a cavity, there’s no reason to delay. Kool Smiles’ partners accept Medicaid, TRICARE, CHIP (formerly SCHIP), and other types of insurance. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, we have partners who will work with you to find a flexible payment option that fits your budget.

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Sources:

Kids Health: https://www.kidshealth.org/en/kids/teeth.html

Time Magazine: https://time.com/3380563/sugar-tooth-decay/