Wednesday, January 24, 2018

DO BABY TEETH NEED FILLINGS?

It is a common misconception that baby teeth don't need fillings as the teeth will eventually fall out anyway. The truth is that if a cavity is left to progress without treatment, it could lead to other problems.

The enamel of baby teeth is much thinner than that of adult teeth. Tooth decay can reach the nerve more quickly than with adult teeth. This can result in an infection in the nerve that could lead to pain. A more serious consequence is that an infection could spread beyond the teeth to the neck or even the eye. Remember that children do not have the immune system adults have, so a simple cavity could spiral into a much greater threat. Baby Teeth are Placeholders An important role of baby teeth is to preserve the space of the future adult teeth that replace them. Untimely loss of baby teeth can result in shifting of other teeth in the mouth. This can ultimately result in bite problems or crooked teeth as the child gets older and may result in orthodontic treatment to correct the problems.

Prematurely getting adult teeth As soon as a cavity is found in your child's baby teeth, we need to consider both the age of your child and the tooth's condition. If the cavity is small or the tooth is about to fall out, it may be best to leave it alone. But if the child is young and the loss of the tooth would be considered premature, removing the decay and placing a filling or stainless steel crown may be the more appropriate direction for treatment.

The Importance Of Educating Children Preventing cavities is the best way to remain pain free. That is best done by educating both the child and the parent and giving them the tools and techniques they need to keep their teeth clean. Our dentists and hygienists at Erin Ridge Dental will use age-appropriate language and explanation aids to familiarize both you and your child with treatment and prevention options. We will show you how you can play a supporting role in helping your child remain cavity free in the future.

Posted at 10:03 AM