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.
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