Are Fillings In Baby Teeth Necessary? Yes – And Here’s Why!

If your child has a cavity in one of their baby teeth, you may be wondering if a filling is really necessary. After all, baby teeth fall out naturally, right? Do you really need to fill a cavity in a baby tooth? 

The answer is “yes.” Treating cavities in baby teeth is just as important as treating them in adult teeth. Let’s get into the details in this blog from Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, and explain why fillings are necessary for baby teeth. Read on for more details, or schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Yardley, Bensalem, Warrington, or Glenside today.
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Baby Teeth Are Temporary, But They're Not Expendable

Kids get their first baby tooth by the age of about one year. Then, they continue to get baby teeth until they're three years old. Then, at about the age of six, their baby teeth will start to fall out, and be replaced by adult teeth.

However, your child’s last baby tooth will not usually fall out until the age of about 12 or 13 years. That means that your child will keep some of their baby teeth for a decade or more. And that’s exactly why it’s so important to protect and preserve their baby teeth.

If your child has a cavity in a baby tooth, this can cause them serious pain and discomfort, and lead to further oral health issues like a tooth infection. Treating their cavity with a dental filling is the best way to preserve their tooth and protect their oral health.

Protecting your child’s baby teeth is also important for their future oral development. Basically, baby teeth help form the “paths” that your child’s adult teeth take as they grow and replace the baby teeth. If your child has one or more severely decayed, damaged, or prematurely-lost baby teeth, this can affect the development of their adult teeth, too.
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Recognizing The Signs That A Baby Tooth May Need A Filling

Now that you know the importance of treating cavities in baby teeth, you may be wondering how to recognize the signs of a cavity. Only a dentist can diagnose a cavity, but there are a few tell-tale signs you may notice before you schedule an appointment at Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.

• Pain or tooth sensitivity – If your child is complaining of tooth pain or their tooth hurts while consuming hot and cold foods and drinks, this could be a sign of a cavity that requires a filling.
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• ‍Tooth discoloration – Early on, tooth decay looks like a white patch on the tooth. This white patch happens when the enamel weakens. Then, over time, this patch may turn brown and dark as the cavity gets bigger. If you notice any spots on your child’s baby teeth, you should see your child’s pediatric dentist for a checkup.
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• Visible holes or pits in the tooth – As tooth decay worsens, you may be able to see holes or pits in your child’s tooth near the discolored area. This means that a cavity has formed, and needs treatment with a filling.
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Keep Your Child’s Baby Teeth In Great Shape At Sea Of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry!

At Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our team of pediatric dentists has decades of combined experience caring for little smiles. Whether you think your child has a cavity in their baby tooth or you just need to schedule a six-month checkup for your little one, we’re here to help. You can contact our office in Yardley, Bensalem, Warrington, or Jenkintown to schedule your child’s first visit.