Does it really matter if baby teeth get cavities?
Cavities can be prevented whether they are in primary or permanent teeth. Primary teeth are important for eating, talking and saving space for permanent teeth. Teeth start erupting when infants are about 6 – 7 months old. Some of these primary teeth will not be lost until the child is 11 – 13 years old. If primary teeth become diseased it can lead to pain and infection, hindering a child’s learning at school. It is also difficult for children to eat a well balanced meal with a mouth full of cavities. Untreated cavities also means that there is an increase in the decay causing bacteria. As permanent teeth erupt, they are at increased risk for also developing cavities because of the high bacteria count.
