One of the most common questions we hear from parents at our practice is: “Why treat baby teeth? Aren’t they going to fall out anyway?” It’s a valid question—but the answer is clear. Yes, baby teeth (also called milk or deciduous teeth) will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth. However, they play a vital role in a child’s oral and overall development. Let’s explore why.

What Are Baby Teeth and When Do They Erupt?

Humans are diphyodonts, meaning they have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. The first set, known as deciduous or baby teeth, typically begin erupting around 6 months of age and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth between ages 6 to 12.

Why Are Baby Teeth Important?

1. Chewing and Nutrition: They help children chew food properly, supporting digestion and healthy eating habits.
2. Speech Development: Baby teeth assist in forming sounds and clear pronunciation.
3. Jaw and Facial Growth: They guide jaw development and facial structure.
4. Guiding Permanent Teeth: They hold space for adult teeth to erupt in proper alignment.
5. Preventing Infections: Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, or even damage to developing permanent teeth.
6. Confidence and Smiling: A healthy set of baby teeth boosts a child’s self-esteem and smile.

Are Cavities in Baby Teeth Harmful?

Yes. Cavities in baby teeth, like those in adults, can cause pain and difficulty in chewing. Large cavities may lead to infections, facial swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Infections may also affect the developing permanent teeth and cause early loss of baby teeth, leading to misalignment.

How Are Cavities in Baby Teeth Treated?

• Prevention First: Fluoride applications help strengthen teeth and prevent future cavities.
• Fillings: Small to moderate cavities can be filled to prevent further decay.
• Pulpectomy (Root Canal for Kids): For deep cavities involving the nerve, the infected pulp is cleaned and filled, followed by a stainless steel crown to protect the tooth and maintain space for the permanent tooth.

The main goal is to save the baby tooth until its natural shedding time to ensure proper spacing and eruption of adult teeth.

What Is the Role of a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a specialist with a postgraduate degree in Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. They are trained to manage the unique dental needs of children, including their behavior, growth patterns, and preventive care. Pediatric dentists also work closely with parents to educate and guide them on proper oral care practices. They use age-appropriate, gentle techniques to ensure a child’s dental experience is positive and stress-free.

Why Choose City Smiles Dental Care, Baghajatin, Kolkata?

At City Smiles Dental Care, we have our in-house pediatric dentist and co-owner, Dr. Sreejeeta Dey (MDS Pedodontics), who is highly skilled in managing young patients with care and compassion. She is trained to handle dental procedures under both local and general anesthesia when required, ensuring your child receives safe and effective treatment in a comfortable environment.

📞 Call us today at 6289004840 to book your child’s appointment with Dr. Sreejeeta Dey.