If your kiddo has developed a hole or two in their baby teeth, you might be thanking your lucky stars. After all, baby teeth are supposed to fall out eventually. But unless their temporary wiggler is hanging on to their smile by a mere thread, you’ll still want to see their dentist about treating the cavity with a dental filling. Keep reading to find out why!
Baby Teeth Are Important Too
Your child’s baby teeth function as a sort of test run for their future adult teeth. They help your child learn how to chew and form words properly, as well as give their eventual replacements a path to follow through the gumline. Ideally, these “pathways” will help new teeth grow in straight and strong. Losing these young guides prematurely due to cavities can have a serious impact on your child’s development!
Cavities Can Spread
Part of what makes dental caries so problematic is that it spreads like a disease. One day harmful oral bacteria are digging holes in one tooth, but before you know it, other teeth can start to deteriorate as well. Depending on the state of your kiddo’s oral health, the decay can even affect their jawbone or invite gum disease to the party. Some dedicated oral hygiene and a well-placed filling can prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.
Tooth Decay Hurts!
If cavities are gnawing at your child’s enamel, they’re probably hurting. Baby teeth, like adult teeth, have nerves that do pick up on biological dangers, and usually communicate the oral health risk through toothaches and swelling. A dental filling will alleviate your child’s pain while you eagerly wait for the arrival of their permanent teeth.
How Can I Prevent Future Cavities?
Baby teeth are important for early development, but as they are meant to be temporary, they’re not as hardy as their adult counterparts. Their soft “skins” are more vulnerable to problems like cavities, so preventative care is crucial. Here’s how you can help keep dental conditions at bay:
- Encourage good oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once per day.
- Limit your child’s sugar intake. Sugar accelerates bacterial growth, so consuming too much will increase cavity risk.
- Take your kiddo to their dentist for a professional checkup and cleaning every six months. Their dentist can spot early warning signs of tooth decay and help you and your child avoid a complicated problem.
It can be distressing when your child develops cavities, even if the affected teeth happen to be their baby set. Remember that you’re not alone when it comes to your child’s oral care! Their dentist is committed to promoting their dental health and can help you encourage them to maintain regular hygiene habits. If a filling is necessary, you can trust them to work their magic.
About the Dentist
Dr. Youngblood is an experienced dentist who keeps patients well-informed about their little one’s oral care. If cavities are troubling your child’s baby teeth, he’ll assess the situation thoroughly, and help your child feel comfortable and safe should any dental fillings be necessary. To contact Dr. Youngblood’s office, call 936-427-9070.