Yes, cavities in baby teeth should be evaluated and, in many cases, treated, even though these teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth.
The reason is simple: a baby tooth can remain in a child’s mouth for several years. An untreated cavity can progress, cause pain, and reach the tooth’s nerve or lead to an infection.
The necessary treatment depends on how advanced the tooth decay is and on the child's age.
Why do we need to take care of our baby teeth if they're going to fall out anyway?
Baby teeth are not „unimportant teeth.”.
They help the child to:
- chew;
- speak;
- maintain the necessary space for the permanent teeth;
- promote proper chewing;
- may grow up pain-free until their teeth fall out.
Some baby teeth remain in the mouth for a long time.
If a cavity develops early on, simply saying, „It’s going to fall out anyway,” can mean that the child will have to live with a damaged tooth for years.
What happens if a cavity in a baby tooth isn't treated?
Tooth decay can start as a small spot and progress deeper into the tooth.
As they develop, the following may occur:
- sensitivity;
- pain when eating sweet or cold foods;
- pain when chewing;
- spontaneous pain;
- inflammation;
- infection;
- abscess.
A deep cavity can reach the pulp of the tooth—that is, the inner area where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
At this point, the treatment may become more complex than a simple filling.
Can tooth decay in a baby tooth affect the permanent tooth?
A serious infection around a baby tooth must be treated with care, especially because the developing permanent tooth is located nearby.
Therefore, if pain, swelling, or pus develop, it is not advisable to simply wait for the baby tooth to fall out.
The child should be examined by a doctor.
How can you tell if a child has a cavity?
Some cavities are easy to spot, while others are not.
Parents may notice:
- a white, brown, or black spot on a tooth;
- a small hole;
- food that gets stuck between your teeth;
- pain when eating sweets;
- sensitivity to cold;
- the child chews only on one side;
- The child says that a tooth hurts;
- Persistent bad breath.
However, it's a good idea to have your teeth checked before you start feeling pain.
A small cavity is generally easier to treat than one that has already started causing symptoms.
How are cavities treated in children?
Treatment depends on the stage of the lesion.
For a tooth that can be restored, the dentist can remove the affected tissue and place a filling, commonly known as a “filling.”.
Very deep cavities may require additional treatments involving the dental pulp.
In some cases where a tooth can no longer be saved or is nearing the normal time for replacement, extraction may be considered.
The dentist makes the decision after evaluating the tooth and the entire set of teeth.
Is it worth getting a filling for a baby tooth?
If the tooth needs to remain in the mouth and can be treated, restoring it can prevent pain and stop the decay from progressing.
You can't base your decision solely on the child's age.
It matters:
- which tooth is affected;
- how large the cavity is;
- when it should fall naturally;
- if there is pain or an infection;
- how well the child can cooperate.
What should I do if my child is afraid of the dentist?
There is no need for the first experience to begin directly with a difficult procedure, provided that the clinical situation allows it.
An orientation session can help your child get to know the doctor and the office.
At SmileCity, there is an introductory/orientation session for children.
For many children, it is easier to gradually build a relationship with their dentist than to visit the dentist for the first time in an emergency situation when they are in pain.
How can we prevent more cavities from forming?
Prevention isn't just about „not eating sweets.”.
The following are important:
- regular brushing;
- age-appropriate toothpaste;
- a parent supervising the child's toothbrushing;
- limiting frequent consumption of sweet snacks;
- dental checkups;
- assessment of individual caries risk;
- the preventive measures recommended by the dentist, including sealing certain tooth surfaces.
Where can we treat children's cavities in Sector 6?
SmileCity offers pediatric dentistry services for children, including consultations, initial evaluations, fillings, professional cleanings, sealants, and extractions of baby teeth.
The clinic is located at 158 Ghencea Boulevard, Sector 6, Bucharest.
If you've noticed a cavity in your child, it's best to have it checked before any pain sets in.
Why does tooth decay progress more quickly in baby teeth?
Baby teeth are smaller, and the thickness of their hard tissues differs from that of permanent teeth. For this reason, a cavity that appears small on the surface can progress relatively quickly toward the tooth’s pulp. This is precisely why it is important to have these lesions evaluated before pain sets in. Just because a child isn’t complaining doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is stable. The earlier treatment is provided, the simpler and more tolerable the procedure can be.
How do frequent snacks affect the risk of tooth decay?
It’s not just the total amount of sweets that matters, but also how often the teeth are exposed to sugars and fermentable carbohydrates. Repeated sweet snacks, sipping sweetened beverages over long periods, and frequent eating between meals can keep the oral environment in a state conducive to cavities. For parents, a more realistic strategy than a total ban is to reduce the frequency, limit sweet foods to mealtimes, and ensure proper, supervised brushing.
Why are regular checkups easier than emergency treatment?
A child who visits the dentist before experiencing pain is more likely to view the visit as a neutral or positive experience. When the first visit is marked by pain, sleepless nights, and fear, cooperation can be more difficult. Checkups allow for the identification of early cavities, discussion of oral hygiene, and the implementation of preventive measures before the problem requires more extensive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cavities in baby teeth go away on their own?
A cavity must be evaluated to determine its stage and the appropriate treatment. A cavity that has already formed should not simply be ignored in the hope that the tooth will fall out.
Can a baby tooth be filled?
Yes. Primary teeth can be restored when the clinical situation warrants it.
What should I do if my child has a cavity but isn't in pain?
The absence of pain does not mean that the injury cannot worsen. This is actually a good time for an evaluation, before an emergency arises.
Should a decayed baby tooth be pulled?
Not automatically. Some molars can be treated and saved. Extraction is recommended only in certain situations.
How much does a filling cost for a child at SmileCity?
According to SmileCity’s current price list, the cost of a dental filling as part of pediatric dentistry services is 200 lei. The price must be confirmed at the time of scheduling.