Reviewed by Dr. Kari Badwi
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Reading time: three minutes
Yes, cavities in baby teeth need treatment, even though these teeth eventually fall out. Baby teeth help children eat, speak, and maintain space for the permanent teeth developing beneath them. Without care, a small cavity can grow larger and lead to pain, infection, or early tooth loss.
Table of Contents
Why Cavities in Baby Teeth Should Not Be Ignored
Once bacteria break through the enamel, a cavity can continue deeper into the tooth and eventually reach the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
An untreated cavity may cause:
- Sensitivity or tooth pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Interrupted sleep
- Swelling or an abscess
- Infection that requires urgent treatment
- Early loss of the baby tooth
Some cavities cause few noticeable symptoms at first. Regular dental checkups and X-rays help identify decay before a child develops pain or needs more complex care.
Baby Teeth Help Guide Permanent Teeth
Baby teeth help children chew comfortably, pronounce sounds clearly, and support the proper development of their permanent teeth. They hold space in the jaw and help guide permanent teeth into their proper positions.
When a baby tooth is lost too early, nearby teeth may shift into the empty space. This can reduce the room available for the permanent tooth and contribute to crowding or eruption problems. Depending on the tooth and your child’s stage of dental development, a dentist may recommend a space maintainer after an early extraction.
How Are Cavities in Baby Teeth Treated?
Treatment depends on how far the decay has progressed. Very early decay may sometimes be managed with preventive care and monitored, while a cavity that has progressed into the tooth may require treatment.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid that can help slow or stop certain cavities. It can be useful for very young children, children who have difficulty tolerating dental treatment, or situations where care needs to be delayed.
SDF permanently darkens the decayed portion of the tooth, so it is generally used on back teeth or other areas where the colour change is less noticeable.
Tooth-Coloured Fillings
A dental filling may be appropriate when the cavity is small enough that the tooth still has plenty of healthy structure. The decayed area is removed, and the tooth is restored to help protect it from further damage.
Pediatric Crowns
A dental crown may provide better protection when a cavity is large, the tooth is weakened, or several surfaces are affected. BabyTooth offers different crown options, including stainless steel and tooth-coloured zirconia crowns when appropriate.
Nerve Treatment
If decay reaches the pulp but the tooth can still be saved, a nerve treatment, called a pulpotomy or baby root canal, may be recommended. A crown is usually placed afterward to protect the remaining tooth.
Extraction
A baby tooth may need to be removed if it is abscessed, cannot be restored, or does not have enough healthy structure to support a crown. Dr. Kari recommends extraction only when saving the tooth is no longer an option.
Comfortable Cavity Care at BabyTooth
At BabyTooth, Dr. Kari and Dr. Riley consider each child’s cavity risk, dental development, comfort level, and individual needs before recommending care. Treatment is approached at a pace that helps children feel safe and supported throughout their visit.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in SE Calgary, call (403) 873-1414 or visit us at 290 Midpark Way SE #200, Calgary, AB T2X 1P1.
FAQ
Does a cavity in a baby tooth still need to be removed if it will fall out soon?
Sometimes, a cavity can be monitored if the baby tooth is already loose or expected to fall out soon. However, some baby teeth remain until age 10 to 12. Your dentist will consider the tooth’s condition, the depth of the cavity, and whether your child has pain or an infection before recommending monitoring or treatment.
Can a cavity in a baby tooth affect the permanent tooth?
A cavity does not directly transfer from a baby tooth to the permanent tooth beneath it. However, a severe infection around a baby tooth may affect the surrounding tissues and potentially interfere with the developing permanent tooth.
Can a cavity in a baby tooth heal on its own?
Very early enamel damage may sometimes be strengthened before a true hole forms. Once a cavity has created a hole in the tooth, it will not grow back on its own and usually requires professional care to stop it from worsening.
