Do Baby Teeth Really Need Fillings?

There is a common misconception that baby teeth are not important. Some parents are under this impression because the baby teeth are only in their child’s mouth for a few years, so they reason that these teeth do not need the same level of care as adult dentition. Nothing could be further from the truth! Indeed, if one of your child’s baby teeth gets a cavity, it will probably need a filling. This blog post explains what you should know.

The Importance of Preserving Baby Teeth

Baby teeth are important for oral development. They open the way for adult teeth, and when they are healthy, they can support good chewing and eating habits in children. Therefore, whenever circumstances permit, baby teeth should be left in a child’s mouth until they fall out naturally. If your child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, a filling can put a stop to the damage and allow it to remain in place.

Other Benefits of Fillings for Baby Teeth

Beyond simply avoiding premature loss of baby teeth, fillings can offer other outstanding benefits for kids:

• Less dental sensitivity and pain. If a cavity goes deep enough, it can cause quite a bit of discomfort. A filling protects the sensitive inner layers of a tooth and can restore normal function.
• Prevent the need for more complex procedures. Fillings are great for stopping small spots of decay from developing into major problems. In contrast, if a cavity is allowed to worsen, it may end up leading to the need for more extensive care, such as pulp therapy.
• Protect your child’s wellness. Kids with dental pain or poor oral health may avoid certain foods or express their discomfort by misbehaving. Caring for their smile with a filling can allow them to enjoy a nutritious diet and support their emotional well-being.

When Fillings Are Not Necessary

It is worth mentioning that not all baby teeth with cavities need fillings. For example, if the tooth is already close to falling out, your family’s pediatric dentist might just coach you on how to care for the tooth so the cavity does not quickly worsen. Good oral hygiene can help with this. The dentist might also recommend the use of silver diamine fluoride, which, in some cases, can stop active spots of decay. The tooth will likely come out on its own before the damage becomes too severe.

So, do baby teeth really need fillings? In many cases, yes! Instead of dismissing childhood cavities as a minor issue, listen to any treatment recommendations from your pediatric dentist.

Meet the Practice

Kids Dentist in Grayslake is home to four highly talented dentists. They have many years of combined experience, and they lead our skilled support staff. Our team is proud to offer preventive care, fillings, and more to help young smiles stay healthy and pain-free. To learn more about us or to request an appointment for your child, get in touch with our office at 847-223-1400.