Importance of baby teeth – Should you fill cavities in baby teeth?

Often I have the conversation with parents about why baby to teeth should be restored when there are cavities developing. Often I get the response, “they are just baby teeth. Leave it alone”… Or worse yet “pull it”.

Did you know that baby molars are designed to last until approximately 13 years old?

So the consequence of leaving a cavity alone on a 4 year old’s tooth most likely will lead to toothache and or severe infection. Small cavities progress to larger and deeper cavities and no tooth can withstand 4-9 years of bacterial infection.

So I would like to review why baby teeth are so important.

• Cavity free teeth and oral health is linked to overall health of your child
• Baby teeth allow your child to chew properly for nutrition they need
• Sense of pride from a beautiful smile for socio- emotional interactions with peers
• Habits developed now are the building blocks for future oral health to ensure a healthy smile for a lifetime.
• Baby teeth are designed to maintain space In the mouth for developing adult teeth
• Early tooth loss can lead to more extensive braces and bite problems in the future
• A bad experience at the dentist to treat a cavity that got too large sets your child up for a lifetime of traumatic experience and avoidance of dental care.

So it is best for your child to have regular checkups and have small cavities treated while very small.

Please encourage great oral hygiene and dietary habits to give your child every opportunity for a lasting smile!