It is common for very young children to develop cavities in their baby teeth. At this delicate age, they tend to eat more chocolates and candies. It’s hard to stop them from eating such items especially when they get them as gifts from your parents, friends, and relatives. As a result, many children develop cavities at a very young age.
Since we all know that baby teeth are eventually going to fall and new teeth will come, many parents might wonder whether their cavities should be filled or not. Let’s find out what pediatric dentistry says.
Is cavity filling necessary for young kids?
Yes, taking your kid to a dental clinic for dental filling is important for his/her oral health. Most parents ignore this important aspect because they think that there is no need for filling as their child’s baby teeth are going to fall out eventually. Many parents even ask if a dentist can just pull baby teeth since they will come out anyway. Well, each situation is different. However, most pediatric dentists agree that it is best to fix or fill cavities even if your kid has baby teeth.
It is always wise to preserve natural teeth whether they are baby teeth or permanent teeth. When left untreated, cavities in baby teeth can cause more significant issues such as dental infections and may need a root canal treatment when the problem becomes aggravated. Hence, it can also affect the development of permanent teeth and lead to long-term oral health issues for your child. Besides, children who have untreated cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to need orthodontic treatment in the future.
When do cavities in baby teeth not need a dental filling?
There are some cases when children with cavities in baby teeth won’t need a dental filling. When a child has a very small cavity, it is more likely to naturally repair itself. In this case, a pediatric dentist may recommend focusing more on oral hygiene habits or dental-friendly nutrition to prevent the cavity from becoming worse.
Another case where a pediatric dentist may avoid dental filling for a cavity is if the baby tooth is about to fall itself in the near future. So, if the cavity doesn’t pose a risk of spreading germs to surrounding teeth or tissues or doesn’t cause pain, a children’s dentist might forgo filling cavities in baby teeth.
Whatever the case is, make sure that you seek pediatric dentistry advice if your kid has cavities.
How to know if my kid has a cavity?
If your child has a cavity, then he or she might complain about toothache or sensitivity when eating cold, hot, or sweet food. You should also regularly examine the teeth of your child and look for signs of visible holes, pits, or brown/black/white stains on the tooth.
However, some children may not show these signs. So, it is best to see a pediatric dentist for regular checkups. Besides, you should also ensure that your child is following healthy oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and avoiding sugary treats as much as possible.
Are you looking for services of pediatric dentistry in Valdese? Contact us today.