Why Baby Teeth Sometimes Need Fillings and How They Help Protect Your Child’s Smile
Why Your Baby May Need a Filling
A dental filling isn’t just used on adults or on adult teeth. Sometimes, a child’s baby, or primary, tooth may need a dental filling. Just because your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out to make room for their adult teeth doesn’t mean that their baby teeth don’t need to be protected until their adult teeth are ready to come in. Cavities in baby teeth can cause problems, and a dental filling may be needed to help save the integrity of the baby tooth.
At We Make Kids Smile Pediatric Dentistry in Prince Fredrick and Waldorf, Maryland, we want to keep your baby’s smile in top shape, and if it is necessary, a dental filling may be used in a baby tooth.
Can baby teeth really get cavities?
Yes, baby teeth can absolutely get cavities! Primary teeth are actually more prone to cavities because the enamel on their teeth is thinner, making it easier for bacteria to attach and eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Just like with teens and adults, sugary snacks, and poor brushing habits can also lead to cavities because bacteria left in the mouth can cause tooth decay.
Even though a child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is still important to take care of the teeth because your child’s baby teeth play an important role in the spacing of where adult teeth come in. If a child loses their baby teeth too early, especially due to tooth decay, there is a higher chance that the adult teeth won’t come into the proper space, and orthodontic attention is more likely to be needed.
Why Fillings Are Sometimes Necessary in Baby Teeth
Your child’s baby teeth really serve an important purpose. The baby teeth act as placeholders for your child’s adult teeth, and if the baby teeth fall out too early, that can affect how your child’s adult teeth come in. This is why your dentist may recommend your child get a filling in a cavity in their baby tooth instead of extracting the tooth too early.
A dental filling can help protect and preserve a tooth’s structure so it doesn’t fall out too early. The filling can also protect the tooth and support proper chewing and speech. A dental filling in a baby tooth that has a cavity can also prevent any pain your child might experience because of infection.
What is the dental filling process like for children?
A child who needs a filling will go through the same process as an adult getting a dental filling. At We Make Kids Smile, we make comfort a priority for all of our patients. That means we will provide numbing medication to the area where the filling is needed, so the child won’t feel any pain. We will explain the entire process to our patients and answer any questions that they may have. The process is quick and gentle, and your child won’t need to worry.
At We Make Kids Smile, if your child needs a filling to help restore the integrity of their tooth, we use tooth-colored fillings. That means that we match the filling to your child’s natural tooth color so no one will notice that your child has had any dental work done. We like to use tooth-colored fillings because they can help children feel less self-conscious about their smiles.
Remember, Prevention Matters
While anyone can get a cavity, and it isn’t the end of the world if you do, it is important to remember that prevention still matters. Even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it is important to practice healthy oral health habits early and often.
Remember to brush teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time with a toothpaste fortified with fluoride to help build strong tooth enamel. Everyone should floss at least once a day, and it is recommended that everyone use a mouthwash once a day, as well. Biannual dental check-ups also play an important role in prevention and can help catch dental issues before they become major problems.
Visit We Make Kids Smile Biannually
Biannual dental visits to We Make Kids Smile is part of a healthy dental routine. During these biannual dental checkups, our team can monitor your child’s teeth and catch any minor problems before they become big dental issues. If you haven’t seen us in a while, schedule your dental checkup today!
