Why fix baby teeth?

A child’s primary (or baby) teeth are an important factor in many parts of facial development. Establishing a dental home and routine at an early age helps prevent costly and painful dental problems. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a child needs dental treatment for a cavity. As a pediatric dentist, my goal is to complete treatment in the least invasive and traumatic way possible.

Parents sometimes ask me why it’s important to fix baby teeth, since they’re “just going to fall out anyway.” There are many reasons why fixing a tooth is preferable to letting an active infection remain in your child’s mouth. Here are the top 3 questions I get from parents when discussing fixing a cavity.

Question #1: Isn’t that tooth going to fall out soon?

That tooth might have longer to function than you realize! Typically a child will get their first tooth between the ages of 4-7 months old. Teeth continue to erupt until approximately 2 years of age. Everyone notices baby teeth start falling out around 6 years old, but don’t realize that molars fall out between the ages of 10-12 years old. If a cavity is found in a young child, it could be 5+ years before that tooth is due to fall out.

When we can find a cavity early it is often smaller and easier to fix. We don’t want to wait until a child is feeling pain. This is a sign of the infection reaching the nerve and much more extensive treatment is now needed.

Question #2: Does it really matter if a baby tooth is lost early?

It matters more than most you might expect. Baby teeth aren’t just cute in a smile, they are placeholders for the adult teeth underneath them. Baby teeth also play a direct role in how your child chews and speaks. A damaged or missing tooth can make certain sounds harder to form and certain foods harder to eat comfortably.

When a baby tooth is lost too early, whether from decay or extraction, nearby teeth can shift into that open space. Early extraction means that we now have to maintain the space with an appliance such as a band and loop or lingual arch. If the space is not maintained this can lead to crowding that could require orthodontic treatment down the road.

Question #3: Is treating a baby tooth worth putting my child through a dental procedure?

This is often the thing parents worry about most, and that’s fair. But an untreated cavity doesn’t stay small or painless. Cavities in baby teeth tend to grow quickly due to their thinner enamel and less dense dentin. This can lead to infections in baby teeth that spread to the developing adult tooth underneath. What starts as a small, easily treated cavity can turn into a more involved and painful problem if it’s not treated quickly.

It’s worth it

The good news is that pediatric dentistry has come a long way in making these procedures gentle and low-stress for kids. Parent are often amazed at how much dentistry has changed from when they were little. Our office is equipped with the latest technology to handle cavity visits smoothly. From TVs on the ceiling, fun prizes and a range of sedation options if needed, our goal is always to treat the problem while keeping the experience as calm and comfortable as possible — for your child and for you. Every child’s situation is a little different, and the right treatment plan depends on your child’s specific tooth and needs. If you have questions about a cavity or want to schedule a checkup, our team is happy to help — give us a call or set up an appointment.