Do Baby Teeth Need Fillings?

Many parents are under the assumption that baby teeth do not need the same type of care that an adult or permanent tooth does. It’s a common belief that if a baby tooth gets a cavity it does not need to be restored because it will fall out soon.

Most baby molars will remain in your child’s mouth until they are between the ages of ten and 12. Therefore, if you do not get the necessary oral care for your child’s teeth when they are young, there could be long-term ramifications.

Baby teeth DO have nerves, therefore, a toothache can develop. If a cavity is deep enough to infect the nerve, your child could also develop an infection or abscess. The infection could damage the bone surrounding the baby tooth and even damage the permanent tooth forming below it.

Baby teeth are needed to eat and chew food. They also save the space needed for the adult tooth which will eventually replace it.

The best way to take care of your child’s teeth is to brush them twice a day, floss once a day, limit sugars, and visit your dentist every six months for a thorough oral exam.

Discovering a cavity or problem early will keep the treatment minimal, and prevent the decay from spreading to adjacent teeth. If the cavity gets bigger or if the decay gets closer to the nerve, a root canal or extraction may be necessary.

Our goal is to have a positive relationship with your child and to eliminate the need for large or more invasive procedures in the future!