Even more potentially harmful, however, is the possibility that decay could spread from baby teeth to incoming permanent teeth. The long and short of it is that cavities in baby teeth must be filled if you want your kids to avoid the pain of tooth decay and the many long-term problems it could cause.
Is it necessary to have cavities filled in baby teeth?
In short, fillings in your child’s primary teeth are typically just as necessary as fillings in permanent teeth. It’s essential to care for your child’s primary teeth due to a diversity of reasons: Untreated cavities can cause discomfort and pain. Cavities can lead to other dental problems, including infection.
What happens if you don’t fix cavities in baby teeth?
Cavities can quickly progress into very large cavities and can cause the need of baby root canals and crowns. If untreated this can form into dental infections causing pain and swelling.
Do dentist fill cavities in baby teeth?
Dentists typically recommend fillings for baby teeth. However, there are some instances when fillings are not necessary. For instance, if the tooth is close to falling out, the dentist typically will not fill it. Also, dentists do not always fill small cavities.
Do cavities in baby teeth affect permanent teeth?
Cavities in baby teeth can cause an infection that impacts underlying permanent teeth. The bacteria in the teeth may grow, multiply, and progress into the underlying bone if given enough time. In this bacteria-rich environment, the still-developing permanent teeth may become infected.
Should a 5 year old get cavities filled?
Each situation will be different, but most dentists agree that it’s often best to fix or fill kids’ cavities when possible. Whether it’s a 3-year-old cavity filling, a 5-year-old cavity filling, or older, dentists will try to preserve baby teeth.
Can I wait 3 months to fill a cavity?
Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, which makes it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.
Is it common for 4 year olds to have cavities?
Unfortunately, tooth decay is rather common in children – it is preventable with excellent oral hygiene and diet practices, however, dental caries still remains one of the most common diseases that affects children of all ages. By the age of 4, more than 1 in every 4 children has at least one cavity.
Why are my baby’s teeth rotting?
Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby. Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva.
Is it normal for a 2 year old to have cavities?
Toddler Cavities: How to Treat Cavities in Baby Teeth. Cavities in toddlers are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children aged 2 to 11 will develop at least one cavity.