As soon as infants begin growing their first teeth, they need to start receiving dental care. These primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, will eventually fall out to make room for adult permanent teeth. But keeping these teeth healthy and clean will play a major role in the young patient’s oral health in their adulthood.
Part of this necessary dental care in family patients involves regular teeth cleanings. Proper oral hygiene must include these routine check-ups and cleanings. Read on to learn about how important it is to care for baby teeth and seek treatment for cavities and other dental concerns in children.
Can Primary Teeth Develop Cavities?
A cavity is an early form of tooth decay. They occur when the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, erodes, leaving a hole in the tooth.
They often form from poor oral habits. This is why dentists emphasize the importance of cleaning teeth through oral hygiene. This routine clears away plaque that can lead to decay like cavities.
A majority of people will develop at least one cavity in their lifetime. They can form on both baby teeth and permanent adult teeth. So preventative dental care is crucial for patients of any age. A family dentist can provide effective dentistry for family, adult, and senior patients.
Why Seek Treatment for Cavities on Baby Teeth?
Some people may think that because baby teeth will fall out naturally, they do not have to get dental treatment for concerns in these primary teeth. However, cavities and other dental dangers in baby teeth do require urgent treatment. Otherwise, they could suffer damage that can extend to their adult teeth.
Cavities may lead to sore teeth and sensitivity pain, which can cause great discomfort for a young patient. Tooth decay from cavities may also spread deep into the tooth until it reaches the nerves. It can then cause infections in the tooth pulp or gum tissue that will require emergency dental care.
An untreated cavity in a baby tooth may also lead the underlying adult teeth to grow into place improperly. They can grow in a crooked alignment, with discoloration, or be vulnerable to decay of their own. These issues can set young patients up for costly and long-term dental problems as they age.
They may need orthodontics to straighten their smiles or major restorative dental work to treat tooth weakness or breakage. Young patients may also see a blow to their self-esteem if their adult teeth grow in with yellowing, stains, or crookedness. This can carry over to other aspects of their lives.
This is why you should not ignore a cavity in your child’s primary teeth. You should schedule routine exams and cleanings with your family dentist to check for early signs of cavities. The cleanings will also remove excess plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent cavity formation in the first place.