Is getting cavities filled a good option for kids?

A cavity in a baby tooth shouldn’t always be ignored, even though it will eventually fall out—addressing it early is often crucial for protecting a child's dental health.

When Is a Filling Needed?

Children start losing their first teeth around age six and finish by their early teens. If a decayed baby tooth is already loose or likely to fall out within half a year to a year, a filling may not be necessary. Dentists rely on X-rays to check the tooth's roots and estimate when it will be shed.

How Serious Is the Cavity?

Cavities that reach deeper layers of the tooth usually require fillings, while larger areas of decay may need crowns, and the worst cases could need extraction. If the damage is limited to early signs of enamel wear, stricter oral hygiene and monitoring might be enough instead of immediate treatment.

Why Treat Baby Tooth Cavities?

Leaving a cavity untreated can cause major problems, with bacteria spreading to other teeth, triggering pain, or leading to infections elsewhere in the body. Untreated cases may end up needing costly procedures like root canals or even tooth removal if the tooth won’t fall out soon. Dentists aim to prevent complications with early intervention.

Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy

Helping kids avoid cavities means teaching them to brush twice daily, floss regularly, and limit how much sugar they eat. Decay can often be prevented, but quick action when issues arise helps safeguard a child's smile for the future.