Do baby teeth need fillings? Read on to learn about the details of pediatric dentistry.
One of the harder parts of keeping kids healthy is making sure they establish good dental hygiene routines (including brushing and flossing). Most kids don’t love to brush their teeth, and once the novelty of it wears off, getting them to do it twice a day, everyday as they should can be a challenge. Even for the kids who adopt the tooth-brushing routine willingly, studies show that most kids don’t brush well enough until they are 8 years old or older. For many kids, all of this means they will eventually have cavities in their baby teeth. So, are fillings really necessary in these cases? Read on to learn more.
Cavities In Baby Teeth
Cavities in primary teeth, AKA baby teeth, happen for most of the same reasons as adult teeth. The biggest reason for someone to develop cavities is inadequate brushing. Teeth that are covered in food and bacteria and not properly cleaned, especially before bed, will develop cavities. If your diet is high in sugar or acidic foods and drinks, cavities become even more likely. Additionally, plaque can build up on baby teeth and lead to gingivitis just as it can in adult teeth.
The Issue Of Untreated Cavities
Untreated cavities can be a big issue, even though many parents assume otherwise. Just because the teeth are meant to come out eventually doesn’t mean the cavities shouldn’t be treated in the time being. Untreated cavities can cause pain and discomfort. Even if they aren’t painful all the time, the discomfort they cause can make kids change the way they eat or even talk in response. Cavities can also lead to long-term health impacts, as oral health affects total body health. Finally, poor oral care routines in childhood are strongly linked to poor oral care routines in adulthood.
Leaving Baby tooth Cavities Unfilled
In some cases, based on the extent of the cavity and the age of the child, some dentists might choose to not fill minor cavities, considering the work more traumatic than the potential damage of leaving it be. In these cases, the cavities should be monitored to make sure they don’t develop an infection, and parents need to double-down on tooth care. If you haven’t been monitoring and possibly even assisting with tooth-brushing twice daily, you need to. If your dentist does recommend getting the cavity filled, the process is usually fairly simple, and it prevents possible complications.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.