Why Its Important To Treat Cavities in Baby Teeth
23% of children have cavities in their baby teeth, and many children during their lives will experience cavities. While many parents may think that cavities in baby teeth are not a concern, they are. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth can cause many more problems with your child's permanent teeth.
If you're curious about filling cavities in your child's baby teeth, read more about why it's important from a Houston pediatric dentist in The Heights, TX.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are a type of tooth decay that leaves holes in teeth. When bacteria are not removed from teeth, they eat away at the tooth, creating a hole and decay. Cavities can be painful, but sometimes there are no symptoms.
Symptoms of cavities may include pain while chewing, bad breath, bleeding while brushing, tooth sensitivity, and swollen gums. For children, they may be in pain but unable to express what hurts.
Why You Should Have A Cavity Filled in A Baby Tooth
Because cavities are a type of decay, you should have a baby tooth filled. The health of baby teeth directly impacts the health of their adult teeth. When left untreated, even in minor cavities, the decay can spread to other teeth and even reach far into the gums.
When your child has a cavity, your dentist suggests the best way to treat the cavity. They may recommend the following options.
Sometimes if the cavity is small, a dentist recommends remineralization. Remineralization uses the minerals found in saliva to repair the tooth. Your dentist can help you with the process of remineralization if you choose to go that route.
A filling is a composite that the dentist inserts into the cavity. Your child will be numbed while the cavity is filled.
In some cases, the child's tooth needs preservation. In this case, the dentist covers the tooth with a crown. The crown is shaped to fit over the tooth and stays in place.
Sometimes the tooth is too far gone, and the decay could spread. When this happens, your dentist might need to do a tooth extraction. A tooth extraction may require anesthesia, but your dentist goes over the details with you before the procedure.
Whichever procedure works best for your child, you can feel confident that their teeth will be healthier as they get older with no cavities.
Prevent Cavities in Your Baby's Teeth
One of the best ways to avoid cavities is to care for your baby's teeth well.
Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Children cannot brush their teeth well on their own and need help for many years. Brushing your teeth and flossing their teeth with your child shows them how to properly brush.
Limit your child's sugary snacks and drinks. When sugar stays on your teeth, bacteria continues to grow. As bacteria grows, it leaves plaque, which is a hard film that causes gum disease and other problems.
Visit A Houston Pediatric Dentist in The Heights, TX
It's important to make sure your children's cavities are filled, and their teeth are healthy. As they grow, developing healthy habits is essential to the health of their adult teeth.
Do you think your child might have a cavity? We're here to help! Contact our office today to schedule your appointment with Houston pediatric dentist in The Heights, TX.
