One of the first things we learn about teeth is that people have two sets. The first set, the baby teeth, fall out during childhood to be replaced by the adult teeth. Knowing that a second set of teeth is waiting to take over, you may begin to wonder whether dental care like a filling is even necessary for a baby tooth. After all, if it falls out, the adult tooth can eventually take over. But neglecting a filling in a baby tooth can have serious consequences. Here to discuss those consequences is your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.
Tooth Decay in Kids
Tooth decay begins when bacteria consume any sugars and carbohydrates that linger in the mouth and produce an acid byproduct that can strip the enamel from teeth. As this process continues and teeth lose their enamel, they become weaker and weaker, and sometimes a tooth can develop a cavity. It is at this point that dental care should step in and fill the cavity because without treatment the bacteria could reach and infect the tooth’s innermost layer called the pulp.
A tooth with infected pulp is seriously unhealthy. Without treatment it will most likely die and fall out, and even for baby teeth, a prematurely lost tooth is not a good thing. Baby teeth act as placeholders for the developing adult teeth, and if one falls out too soon, the nearby teeth may grow into the vacated area, resulting in future orthodontic problems.
However, the consequences of an untreated cavity may not end when the tooth falls out. The infection may not remain contained within the damaged tooth. It could spread to other teeth or even into the body, resulting in illness. Thus if you notice any symptoms of tooth decay in your child, be sure to visit your Grand Prairie children’sdentist, Dr. Smith.
Visit Your Grand Prairie Children’s Dentist
Regular dental visits can help maintain your child’s oral health and prevent cavities. If more than six months have passed since your child’s last dental visit, schedule an appointment with your Grand Prairie children’s dentist, Dr. Smith, today. Contact our 75052 dental office by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.
