Did you notice that your toddler has a small cavity in one of his or her teeth? If you have decided to ignore the cavity due to it being in a baby tooth that will eventually fall out, know that doing so isn't a good idea. You must understand that leaving a cavity in a tooth can lead to numerous other oral health problems for your child no matter which tooth it is located in. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist is the best way to find out how the cavity should be handled. This article provides information in regards to dealing with a cavity in a toddlers baby tooth.

Why Should a Cavity in a Baby Tooth Be Treated?

The reason why a cavity that is in a baby tooth should be treated is because it will continue to get worse. You don't know the exact time when your toddlers baby tooth will actually fall out, so it is important to prevent the cavity from causing oral health problems. For example, it is easy for food to get trapped in a cavity, which can lead to a bacterial infection developing in your child's mouth. An infection can cause your child to develop gum disease, such gums that are swollen and bleeds a lot. A severe case of gum disease might lead to your child's jawbones getting too weak to hold his or her teeth in place.

How Can a Dentist Treat a Toddlers Cavity?

A dentist will base the treatment method for a toddlers cavity on how large it is, as well as the location. A cavity that is small and in a baby tooth might simply be filled in. However, if the baby tooth has a large cavity, the dentist might want to extract the tooth because a new one will grow in its place anyway. In some cases, crowns are used to treat cavities in a toddlers mouth. A crown is sometimes ideal when the cavity is located in one of the molars at the back of the mouth.

Will a Toddler Feel Pain While a Cavity is Being Treated?

When your toddler is treated by a dentist, there is no need to fear that he or she will experience large amounts of pain. Anesthesia can be administered to your child just as it is when an adult is treated. There are several types of anesthesia types that can be used to make your child comfortable. For instance, if your child is completely fearful of dental work being done, the dentist might administer anesthesia that causes temporary unconsciousness. Local anesthesia is the most minimal form that can be used.

If you'd like more information about what to do when your toddler has a cavity, talk to a pediatric dentist at offices like Dentistry For Children.