There is a common misconception among parents that baby teeth do not require regular treatment or maintenance, as they will simply fall out over time. While it’s true they do not last forever, it does not mean they should be neglected. Childhood cavities remain one of, if not, the most frequently treated oral health problems among pediatric dentists, which is why dental fillings are important, even for primary teeth. Read on to discover how these early chompers set the stage for the foundation of your child’s smile.
Why Prioritize Baby Teeth?
From the moment they erupt, your child’s baby teeth are vulnerable to dental decay, cavities, and damage. Keeping them safe and clean may not seem important, as they are only designed to remain in place for a short time. However, this false narrative and belief will only put your child at an increased risk of poor oral and overall health as they grow older.
Baby teeth essentially set the stage – the foundation – of your child’s future smile. What happens to them early on can positively or negatively impact the next phase of tooth eruption – the arrival of permanent teeth.
If a cavity forms while your child still has their primary chompers, it’s important they receive restorative treatment in the form of a dental filling.
Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary for Baby Teeth?
When you think about the reasons for dental fillings, you may be able to better grasp why they’re necessary even when they’re used to treat cavities in baby teeth. For example:
- When a cavity forms, it may cause your child to experience pain or discomfort. A dental filling can minimize and even eliminate this uncomfortable and unpleasant sensation.
- Without treatment, a cavity can spread, causing further damage to your child’s tooth and nearby teeth and gums.
- Untreated cavities can negatively affect your child’s overall health.
- Failing to seek treatment for a cavity-stricken tooth indicates to your child that it is not important, thus they might assume their oral health is not to be taken seriously.
- Decayed teeth can inhibit your child’s ability to eat or speak correctly, which can negatively impact their nutrition and self-confidence.
Each dentist is different when it comes to filling cavities; however, most offer tooth-colored or composite resin as the primary material. Not only is it more malleable than traditional amalgam, but it blends into your child’s smile, so others will never know the tooth required work.
Don’t dismiss your child’s baby teeth should a cavity form. By getting them the help they need, they’ll remain pain-free while eagerly awaiting the day they say goodbye to their pearly whites and hello to the ones moving into place.
About the Author
Dr. Layne Benzley completed his pediatric dental specialty certificate from the Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester and is now a board-certified pediatric dentist. Offering high-quality dental care to young smiles for the past 10+ years, he and his team at Castle Rock Smiles strive to keep young grins on the right track, even when a cavity occurs. With carefully crafted dental fillings, he can address early decay so that a child’s primary teeth remain healthy until it’s time for them to fall out. If you are concerned your little one may have a cavity, contact us at (303) 660-5373.
