February is Children's Dental Health Month and I would love to take the opportunity to talk about the importance of children's teeth.  I will address the most common questions we get from parents.

1) Should "baby teeth" with cavities be repaired since they're not permanent?

Parents often ask if their child's cavity needs to be repaired since the tooth will eventually be lost.  The answer is mostly yes, depending upon how soon the tooth in question will be lost.  If the adult tooth will replace it soon and the cavity is small then it may be worth the risk to wait.  However, if it will be sometime before the adult tooth erupts then the cavity should be filled.  A cavity when left untreated will progress to the point where the nerve of the tooth dies and/or the tooth is not fixable.  If the nerve dies an abcess may result. An abcess is an infection that will likely cause pain and swelling, and the tooth will have to be removed.  Removal of a "baby tooth" prematurely may cause crowding and shifting of the teeth, and can cause problems with the eruption and bite of the permanent teeth.  This may create a need for orthodontics (braces) or make the treatment with braces more complicated. In addition, no child should suffer from the pain of a tooth abcess.  

There are remarkable amounts of children who don't sleep well because of dental pain.  These children also can't perform well in school.  This is entirely preventable.  

2) When should I bring my child in for a "cleaning"?

All children should have a "well" exam when their first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), or no later than one year of age.  We will check for cavities and other problems, discuss homecare and diet.  Most children are ready for a "cleaning" by the age of 3.  

3) What are sealants?

When your child's permanent first molars erupt (around age 6) we recommend sealants to help prevent cavities from forming on the biting surfaces of those teeth.  A sealant is a resin that we place in the grooves on the biting surfaces of back teeth.  The sealant acts as a barrier to food and bacteria that could cause a cavity in the hard to clean grooves.  

Your child's teeth are important for chewing, speaking, and smiling.  They are there for a reason:  for a healthy mouth and body until their replacement adult teeth are ready.  No child should suffer from unnecessary tooth pain.