What Happens if a Baby Tooth Gets a Cavity?

Many parents are surprised to learn just how important baby teeth truly are. While they may be temporary, these early teeth play a big role in helping children chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain space for their future adult teeth.

At Kindred Pediatric Dentistry in Beaumont, CA, Dr. Meghanne Kruizenga believes in educating families about every aspect of their child’s dental health, starting with what happens when a cavity forms in a baby tooth. Understanding the potential risks and solutions can help you make confident, informed decisions about your child’s care.

Why Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Might Think

It’s a common misconception that cavities in baby teeth aren’t serious because these teeth eventually fall out. However, untreated tooth decay can lead to several complications that affect a child’s overall health and development. Here’s why taking a cavity in a baby tooth seriously is so important:

• Infection and pain: Cavities can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to painful infections or abscesses.
• Speech and chewing problems: Decayed or missing teeth can interfere with your child’s ability to eat properly and pronounce words clearly.
• Damage to adult teeth: Infections in baby teeth can potentially impact the health of the still-developing permanent teeth.
• Misalignment of permanent teeth: Prematurely lost baby teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, leading to crowding or bite issues when adult teeth come in.

That’s why our team focuses not only on treating cavities but also on preventing them with gentle, personalized care and education for families.

How Cavities in Baby Teeth Are Treated

When we discover a cavity during your child’s visit, we tailor treatment based on the severity and location of the decay. At Kindred Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Meghanne uses a warm, thoughtful approach to make each procedure as comforting as possible:

• Small cavities: For minor decay, a simple filling is often enough to remove the decay and restore the tooth’s strength and function.
• Larger decay: If the cavity is large or deep, we may recommend a pediatric crown to protect what remains of the tooth and preserve space for permanent teeth.
• Pulp therapy: If the cavity has reached the nerve, a baby root canal (pulpotomy) may be needed along with a crown to relieve pain and save the tooth.
• Tooth extraction and space maintainer: In cases where the tooth can’t be saved, Dr. Meghanne will extract it and place a “space maintainer” to preserve the proper gap in your child’s smile.

All treatments are performed with your child’s comfort in mind, using kid-friendly techniques that help make their dental experience positive and stress-free.

What to Watch for at Home

Catch cavities early by keeping an eye out for warning signs between dental visits. Early detection often means simpler, less invasive treatment. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to make an appointment:

• White spots or brown discoloration on the tooth
• Sensitivity to cold or sweet foods
• Persistent bad breath
• Swelling or redness around the gums
• Your child avoids chewing on one side

Don’t wait for your child to complain about pain! Cavities can progress without obvious discomfort, especially in the early stages. Regular checkups help us find problems before they become more serious.

Preventing Cavities in Baby Teeth

The best care is prevention, and our goal at Kindred Pediatric Dentistry is to make that care both fun and educational. Dr. Meghanne emphasizes creating an environment where children feel safe, understood, and even excited to learn about taking care of their teeth. To prevent cavities, we recommend:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (use a rice-sized smear for children under 3)
• Daily flossing once teeth touch
• Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
• Visiting our office every six months for checkups and cleanings
• Applying dental sealants and fluoride treatments when appropriate

Every child is different, which is why we develop personalized prevention plans tailored to their age, habits, and unique dental needs.

Schedule a Visit with a Pediatric Dentist in Beaumont

If you think your child may have a cavity or it’s time for their next checkup, Kindred Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you every step of the way. Our Beaumont team is committed to making each visit a comforting experience while providing the expert care your child needs for a healthy smile. Call us today at (951) 572-8010 to request an appointment and see the difference compassionate pediatric dental care can make