Their only baby teeth, and will fall out anyway, right? Our teams at Pediatric Dentists in Carlsbad have heard those questions repeatedly over the years. Primary teeth aka baby teeth are indeed replaced by permanent teeth as our children grow and develop in Carlsbad CA. However, these tiny teeth serve a necessary purpose as our children grow and develop.

Cavities in baby teeth need attention, even though the teeth are temporary. Sometime this is to prevent the discomfort of injections. If a cavity is diagnosed early, an injection may be unnecessary. Failure to fill baby teeth cavities can have lasting consequences in cost and health concerns. Believe it or not, some illnesses in children began as a cavity.

Baby teeth are a guide for our permanent teeth. If decay hits the tooth nerve and blood supply, it may become an abscess. This means severe pain and swelling. From there, the tooth may have to be removed or have a baby root canal. If the primary tooth is lost to early due to decay or an abscess, it can cause surrounding teeth to shift and block the permanent tooth. Then braces or spacers may be necessary to prevent crowding or the impaction of permanent teeth.

Pediatric Dentists in Carlsbad know prevention is the key to a healthy mouth. As parents in Carlsbad CA, it is our responsibility to make sure our children brush properly, removing all food particles. It is also important to get the kids teeth cleaned with Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry at 760-633-1131, just to ensure those little smiles keep lighting up the room.