Baby teeth are only in place for a short amount of time. While they are considered placeholders for permanent teeth, many parents believe it is not necessary to worry about their condition, especially since “they’ll fall out eventually.” Unfortunately, this kind of mindset can lead to serious oral health problems for children as they welcome their adult teeth. If you notice that your child has a cavity, you may wonder if a filling is necessary for baby teeth. Hear from a trusted pediatric dentist who can explain why treatment is essential as well as what you can do to avoid it in the first place.
Do Cavities Need to Be Filled When Forming in Baby Teeth?
Yes, even if your child still has all of their baby teeth, filling a cavity is important. The reason is that decay can spread easily. Bacteria can break down tooth enamel and begin to penetrate deeper into the dentin layer before eventually reaching the pulp. If this happens, it can cause your child to experience much pain while also facing more extensive procedures (i.e., pulp therapy, root canal therapy, tooth extraction).
What Kind of Process is Required to Fill a Cavity?
Many pediatric dentists offer tooth-colored fillings to treat cavities. The use of composite resin, which is biocompatible and malleable, makes it easy to fill teeth plagued by decay while maintaining a blended appearance and protective seal.
The process only requires clearing out the decayed portion of the tooth before applying the composite resin and hardening it with a curing light.
Another option dentists use is silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which is an alternative solution to treating cavities. Instead of placing a tooth-colored filling, SDF works to not only kill the bacteria causing the cavity but also strengthen the enamel so that it minimizes the potential for future decay.
It is a great way to treat a cavity-stricken tooth until it’s time to place a permanent restoration.
How Can Cavities Be Prevented?
This is one of the most sought-after answers among parents. Because cavities are not something you want your child to endure, there are ways to reduce their risk of decay in the first place. You can start by:
- Making sure they follow a clear oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing (if old enough)
- Forgoing soda and juice in your baby’s bottle and instead offering milk or formula
- Not allowing your baby to go to bed with a bottle
- Keeping healthy snacks in the house instead of those filled with sugar
- Maintaining regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings with Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage
With these helpful tips, you can better protect your child’s smile from harmful cavities, but should one arise, don’t let time slip away. Make sure to have it treated as soon as possible so that they have the best chance to develop a healthy adult smile.
About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are fathers and pediatric dentists who are passionate about the health and future of young smiles. Offering preventive services to help little ones enjoy cavity- and damage-free smiles, they provide conservative treatment options geared to keep natural teeth intact as much as possible. If your little one has a cavity, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212 to find out about the types of restorative care we offer.