There are a lot of misconceptions about cavities. One idea is that only kids can get cavities. However, at least one in four adults has a cavity, according to the CDC. Another myth is that kids don’t need treatment for cavities. The thought is that their baby teeth will fall out anyway; why does it matter?
Unfortunately, cavities are just as dangerous for children as adults. In fact, children can develop serious issues without the proper treatment. As a result, kids need to see a dentist as soon as cavity symptoms arise.
Vulnerable Little Teeth
Children’s teeth are unique. Much like the rest of their bodies, children’s teeth are still developing as they grow. While they have their baby teeth (primary teeth), their adult teeth (secondary teeth) continue to develop in their jaw. As the baby teeth naturally fall out, their adult teeth have room to grow and erupt into their permanent place.
Along with the structural development of baby teeth, their enamel grows as well. Baby teeth have a thinner layer of enamel. This means their teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay than adults’ teeth. Thinner enamel may be why cavities are more prevalent in children.
Protect Against Infection
Because kids are more susceptible to tooth decay, it is crucial for them to see their dentist regularly. Your dental team is more equipped to see the early signs of tooth decay. It is possible that children won’t notice if they have a cavity until it causes them pain. This means that the damage can progress unnecessarily. Early intervention prevents small cavities from becoming larger, more painful concerns.
Without treatment, cavities will continue to worsen. This means that a small pit of decay can become a massive infection. Not only will this cause pain, but it can also lead to more extensive dental work. An untreated cavity can burrow deeper into the tooth. However, they can also spread to other teeth, causing more pain.
Preserving Teeth and Oral Health
With cavity treatments, a dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Then, they will replace it with a dental filling. This preserves as much of the healthy tooth as possible and prevents bacterial spread. The filling will provide structure to the tooth and keep bacteria out of the tooth.
If your child can get early treatment, you can reduce their risk of needing an extraction. Even for adults, a tooth extraction can be an unpleasant procedure.
Another aspect of children’s cavity treatments is that it protects their oral health. Of course, cavity treatments stop the spread of decay. But, they also help defend speech development and nutritional well-being. Having healthy teeth contributes to proper speech, allowing kids to communicate more effectively. Also, strong teeth enable children to chew and digest food properly. As a result, this supports their overall health and wellness.