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Why Cavities in Baby Teeth are Still a Big Deal

February 2, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — grandlakezurich @ 9:14 pm
Little boy showing baby teeth to dentist

You already know that your child’s baby teeth are going to fall out some day. As such, you might not think that it’s all that important to prevent cavities in teeth that aren’t going to last anyway. But this is a mistake; the truth is that tooth decay can have devastating consequences no matter if it happens to permanent teeth or temporary ones. It’s important to learn all about the problems that baby teeth with cavities can cause as well as the importance of seeing a children’s dentist in Lake Zurich by your child’s first birthday.

What Happens If Baby Teeth Develop Cavities?

Your child relies on their baby teeth to chew and speak until their jaws are big enough to accommodate their adult teeth. However, if the baby teeth start to decay, your little one might suffer from several different issues.

  • They could suffer from severe oral pain that grows worse over time.
  • They could make it more difficult for your child to chew their food and get the nutrition they need.
  • They could affect your child’s speech development, which in turn could lead to self-esteem issues.
  • They could negatively impact the ability of the permanent teeth to grow in straight and healthy, especially if the baby teeth need to be extracted ahead of schedule.
  • They could allow infection to spread to the rest of the teeth and other parts of the mouth.

How Can You Prevent Cavities in Baby Teeth?

Despite the prevalence of tooth decay in baby teeth (affecting around 60% of children), the disease is highly preventable. The most basic step you can take is to make sure that your child’s teeth are being brushed and flossed at least twice a day. Until your little one is capable of brushing by themselves, you’ll have to clean their teeth and gums for them. You can also make sure that they limit sugary foods and beverages, including gummy vitamins and fruit juices, that can contribute heavily to tooth decay. Breast feeding moms should wipe off the baby’s teeth and gums with a soft cloth after each feeding.

How Can Your Children’s Dentist Help?

Of course, when it comes to dental care, regular appointments with your child’s dentist are a must. If you have dental insurance, your first step is to add your child to your dental insurance plan as soon as possible. If your child does start to develop cavities in their baby teeth despite your best efforts, their dentist will be able to identify the warning signs early and can take the necessary steps to intervene and prevent long-term damage. During these visits, plaque and tartar that has accumulated in the overlooked spots in your child’s mouth can be removed before they cause permanent damage.

If you want your child to grow up with a brilliant smile, then protecting and preserving the baby teeth until they’re ready to fall out naturally has to be your top priority. Make sure your little one starts off on the right foot by scheduling a dental appointment for them when they are still very young.

About the Practice

At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, all of our skilled dental experts and team members work together to save your family as much time and money as possible when it comes to quality dental care. We welcome children and will always go the extra mile to help them enjoy their early dental experiences as much as possible. If you think your child has developed a cavity, or it’s time for their first appointment, reach out to us by visiting our website or calling (847) 443-3953. Also, if your child needs specialty care, ask as about getting in touch with the Grand Dental Group’s pediatric dentist.