The Significance of Early Treatment for Cavities in Baby Teeth

If you are a parent, you may wonder why you should care about cavities in baby teeth. In the end, primary teeth are impermanent and will naturally shed over time, correct? Incorrect. Cavities in baby teeth are a serious dental problem that can affect your child’s oral health and overall well-being. Here are some reasons why you should treat cavities in baby teeth early and how to prevent them in the first place.

What are cavities, and how do they affect baby teeth?

Cavities are small holes that form in the hard outer layer of teeth, called enamel. They are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar and produce acid. The acid erodes the enamel and creates cavities. Cavities can cause pain, sensitivity, infection, and tooth loss.

The initial set of teeth that emerge during your child’s growth is called primary teeth, also known as baby teeth or milk teeth. Typically, the eruption of teeth begins at approximately 6 months old and continues until the permanent teeth take their place, which occurs between the ages of 6 and 12. Baby teeth are important for several reasons:

• They help your child chew, speak, and smile.
• They hold the space for the permanent teeth and guide their eruption.
• They affect the development of the jaw and the face.

Cavities in baby teeth can have negative consequences for your child’s oral health, such as:

• Pain and discomfort can interfere with eating, sleeping, and learning.
• Infection and abscess can spread to other parts of the mouth or the body and cause serious complications.
• Premature loss of baby teeth can cause crowding, misalignment, and malocclusion of permanent teeth.
• Poor self-esteem and confidence due to an unattractive smile.

How to treat cavities in baby teeth?

The best way to treat cavities in baby teeth is to visit a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. With their expertise, practical knowledge, and specialized tools, they possess the capability to identify, address, and mitigate oral issues in young individuals.

Depending on the size and location of the cavity, the pediatric dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:

• Dental filling. This is the most common treatment for small cavities. The pediatric dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the hole with a tooth-colored material, such as composite resin or glass ionomer. Dental fillings in Houston can restore the tooth’s function and appearance while preventing further decay.
• Dental crown. This is a treatment for large cavities that involve more than one surface of the tooth or that affect the nerve of the tooth. The pediatric dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and cover the remaining part with a cap, usually made of stainless steel or porcelain. A dental crown has the ability to safeguard the tooth from additional harm and infection, while also restoring its strength and shape.
• Pulpotomy or pulpectomy. These are treatments for cavities that reach the nerve or the pulp of the tooth, causing pain and inflammation. The infected portion of the pulp will be extracted by the dentist, and the root canal will be filled with a medicated substance. Then, the dentist will place a dental crown over the tooth to seal and protect it. Pulpotomy or pulpectomy can save the tooth from extraction and preserve its function and space.

How to prevent cavities in baby teeth?

Developing proper oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial in preventing cavities in baby teeth. Here are some tips to help you and your child prevent cavities in baby teeth:

• It is recommended to brush your child’s teeth twice daily using a toothbrush that has soft bristles and a small quantity of toothpaste containing fluoride. For optimal oral hygiene of your child, it is advised to initiate tooth brushing as soon as their first tooth appears. It is important to supervise their brushing routine until they develop the ability to do it on their own, usually around the age of six.
• Take your child to the pediatric dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, starting from their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth eruption. The pediatric dentist near you can monitor your child’s oral health, detect and treat any dental problems, and provide preventive treatments, such as fluoride application and dental sealants.
• Limit your child’s intake of sugary and sticky foods, such as candy, cookies, cake, juice, and soda. Certain food and beverage choices have the potential to nourish oral bacteria, leading to the production of acid and subsequent tooth decay. Instead, offer your child healthy snacks and drinks, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, milk, and water.

Cavities in baby teeth are a common and serious dental problem that can affect your child’s oral health and overall well-being. You should treat cavities in baby teeth early and prevent them in the first place with good oral hygiene and healthy habits. If you are looking for a professional and friendly pediatric dental clinic in Houston that offers dental fillings and other dental services for children, you can visit Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry. We have a team of qualified and experienced pediatric dentists who can help your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.