A child begins growing their primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, around six months of age. Baby teeth allow kids to learn to speak and eat properly while their jaws grow large enough to support their adult permanent teeth.
The child will begin losing their baby teeth when they reach age five or six. Then the adult teeth start to burst through the gums. Since baby teeth will fall out, you might wonder if it is necessary to seek routine care from a dentist for these teeth.
Baby teeth can develop cavities and other dental problems just like adult teeth. So they must receive the same dental attention as permanent teeth. Do not skip regular oral health care for primary teeth or the adult teeth could face severe consequences.
Cavities, for instance, will require dental treatment, even if a baby tooth that suffers from decay will fall out on its own in time. You can feel more encouraged to get your child the dental care they require when you know more about it. Read on to learn more about the importance of regular oral health care for your child’s baby teeth.
Risks of Neglected Oral Health Care for Primary Teeth
If your child does not brush and floss their baby teeth as often or as diligently as they should, the teeth could develop a number of problems, including tooth decay. This occurs when natural oral bacteria penetrate a weak spot in the tooth enamel and begin to eat away at the dental structure. If decay erodes a hole into the tooth, dentists refer to it as a cavity.
Cavities will not go away on their own and will require treatment to resolve. If the decay advances, the young dental patient may start to feel significant pain that can disrupt their eating habits. Advanced tooth decay can also put the tooth in danger of an infection, which will require more extensive dental work to amend.
Untreated cavities in baby teeth can impact the health of underlying adult teeth as well. The teeth could grow into place weak or crooked, which will mean they need dental work later in life. Do not ignore cavities in both baby and adult teeth.
Expectations of Cavity Treatment in Baby Teeth
The treatment for a cavity in a baby tooth will depend on the severity of the dental damage. In minor cases of tooth decay, and if the child is older, the dentist may recommend preventative measures to stop the decay from worsening. This may include fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel.
Many cavities will require a dental filling to treat the decay. The dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth and fill the resulting hole with composite resin. This filling restores the tooth’s structure and prevents further damage to the area.
Advanced tooth decay might need more extensive restorative dental solutions. Consult a dentist to learn details about your child’s dental needs. Routine teeth cleanings and exams can reduce the risk of cavities and prevent tooth decay from advancing.