“Baby teeth set the pattern for adult teeth, including tooth decay.” – Mary J. Hayes, DDS.
“If a baby tooth or primary tooth abscesses, the infection can spread to the developing permanent teeth. If the baby tooth is lost from decay, the other teeth can move into the space that was left, resulting in crowded teeth.” – William M. Litaker, DDS.
“… if your child has decay, and it can be filled, or have a small crown put on, then do so. If you let the decay progress, your child will have pain, and possibly an infection.” – Rita Medwid, DDS.
These are just a few examples why it is important to bring your child in for routine dental visits. Baby teeth need to be evaluated and cleaned just as often as adult teeth: every six months unless directed otherwise by your dentist. Children’s teeth will start to erupt around 6-7 months of age. This is a great time to bring them in to get them used to the dental environment. Most offices offer complimentary first time visits for babies!
How do I know if my child has a cavity?
- You’ll notice the tooth starting to change color. A light brown shade indicates there is decay. If it gets darker, the decay is getting worse. You may also notice your child staying away from foods that are too hot or too cold, which means they might have a tooth that is sensitive to temperatures.
How do I prevent my child from getting tooth decay?
- You can definitely bring your child in for a visit, just to make sure everything looks good. You can also practice brushing their teeth as they’re growing in.
- Dentists will notice decay more if the child is drinking milk or juice right before bed. The sugars in these drinks are the reason for tooth decay, so try to encourage drinking more water.