If your child has cavities, you may ask yourself if you need to fix them since they’re going to eventually fall out. The answer to this question is yes. Cavities are a result of tooth decay from a lack of brushing or flossing properly. Untreated cavities can cause lasting problems after the baby teeth have fallen out. At Mountain View Dentistry, we do everything we can to ensure you child’s teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible.

Why Cavities in Baby Teeth Need Filling

Baby teeth tend to stick around until the ages of 12 or 13, so it’s important to take care of them to ensure they stay healthy until their permanent teeth grow in. Cavities can affect chewing, which can hurt their nutrition. They also create a path for permanent teeth to come in correctly. If your child’s teeth become damaged, they may also experience overbites and improper jaw structure.

How to Avoid Cavities in Baby Teeth

Fortunately, cavities can be avoided by teaching your child how to properly brush and floss. Additionally, help them choose the right food and beverage. A common cause of cavities is too much sugar. We recommend limiting juice and sugary beverages. At Mountain View Pediatric dentistry, we follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, AAPD. Our recommendation is that children create a dental home by the time they are 12 months old. This simply means seeing a pediatric dentist 6 months after the first tooth has erupted and no later than 12 months old.

Get Your Child Used to Going to the Dentist

Education for your baby’s oral health is the most important thing you can get out of your child’s first appointment. We want the visit to help your baby get in the routine of coming to the office, seeing our staff and getting accustomed to the process.