Why Should You Treat Your Child’s Cavities?

Everyone remembers losing their baby teeth. Whether or not you believed in the tooth fairy, you still went through the process of losing your first set of teeth so that your adult teeth could grow in. This second set of teeth is the one that you keep for life, making it important to clean and care for it. Does that mean it’s less important to care for baby teeth? Your baby teeth, adult teeth, and jawbone are all connected, and a health risk for one can create a health risk for the others. Although your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, it’s still important to treat issues like cavities.

Cavities Are Infections, and Infections Can Spread

A cavity forms when bacteria aren’t thoroughly removed from the surfaces of your teeth. If bacteria build up over time, they can become more difficult to clean away. As the bacteria grow, they produce harmful acid that is corrosive to dental enamel. Eventually, this acid forms a hole in the tooth, and the bacteria move inside. Bacteria are essentially a tooth infection. If left untreated, that infection will spread deeper into the tooth and cause more damage. That infection can also spread from one tooth to the others.

Don’t Let Cavities Affect Your Child’s Underlying Permanent Teeth

Tooth decay is a progressive condition that gets worse over time. The longer you leave the condition untreated, the worse it continues to get. While your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, they can still affect their adult teeth if bacteria are allowed to spread. If your child develops cavities, schedule a dentist appointment to treat them as soon as possible. Your child should also be attending biannual dentist appointments for checkups and cleanings to make sure no structural problems are forming.

Early Positive Dental Experiences Help Your Child Later

By making regular visits to the dentist’s office for checkups and cleanings, you can help introduce your child to dentistry in a comfortable environment. If your child becomes accustomed to visiting the dentist every six months and brushing and flossing their teeth at home, it will set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits. Plus, your dentist can take this opportunity to educate your child on proper oral hygiene and utilize preventive treatments like fluoride rinse and dental sealants.

Schedule Your Child’s Dentist Appointment at Smith Family Dentistry

The health of your child’s baby teeth is important. Set them up for a lifetime of good habits by making regular dentist appointments at Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX. Our welcoming staff and relaxed care environment create a positive experience for our youngest patients. Schedule a checkup at Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX by calling our office at 903-455-5750.