Many parents have questions about their baby’s teeth because, let’s face it, we don’t remember what was happening with our own teeth when we were infants! Many people may not even realize that baby’s can get cavities when they are infants because it’s not likely that the baby is drinking soda or eating sugary foods – the most commonly assumed culprits of tooth decay. Babies can get cavities from bacteria build up in the same way adults can. Even nutritious foods, like milk and fruit, have naturally occurring sugars. And, bacteria can be transmitted from one person to another, so if you stick your baby’s pacifier in your mouth and then back into his or her mouth, bacteria has been shared.
So what do you do when your baby has a cavity? You should first take him or her to the dentist if she or he is displaying symptoms of discomfort in the mouth. A dentist will be able to tell you if the child in fact has a cavity. The dangers of untreated cavities are serious, so don’t avoid the dentist in your child’s early years. At the very least, not filling a cavity in a tooth can lead to dental sensitivity, dental pain and an abscess. These are all factors that can affect a child’s eating and speaking abilities. At the very worst, infection can spread to the brain and lead to death.
If a child loses the decayed tooth, it could also affect how the permanent teeth grow in. If the space from the baby tooth isn’t preserved, the permanent teeth will crowd each other, leading to more dental problems down the road when the permanent teeth grow in.
Have more questions about baby teeth and cavities? Contact the professionals at DentaLux today!
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