Should a baby's decayed front teeth be filled?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on April 06, 2025
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Children's front teeth cavities require filling treatment, because if the front teeth are extensively damaged, it not only affects eating and appearance but also impacts the child's psychological development. Therefore, if a child's tooth color is abnormal, it is advisable to visit a hospital for fluoride treatment as soon as possible, which is beneficial for mineralization on the tooth surface.

However, if cavities have developed in the front teeth, filling treatment is needed, otherwise it will progressively worsen, affecting the child's normal eating habits. Generally, children under three years of age have poor cooperation and cannot undergo routine outpatient treatment, so it is crucial to strengthen oral hygiene care in daily life.

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What is the reason for black dental caries?

Cavity prevalence is quite high, especially in children who haven't developed good oral hygiene habits and consume a lot of sweets, making them prone to cavities. Early detection is thus very important. Early symptoms of cavities are not obvious, but with careful observation, one can notice parts of the teeth turning black. This is due to bacterial erosion and damage to the teeth. Damage occurs to the enamel and dentin of the teeth. If this continues to develop, it can lead to damage to the dental pulp, resulting in pulpitis. Therefore, when you notice your teeth turning black, it is crucial to seek timely treatment to prevent the progression to pulpitis.

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Do cavities have worms in them?

Cavities do not contain worms; they are caused by bacterial infections and are a type of infectious disease. Cavities are also known as dental caries, and many people mistakenly believe they are caused by worms chewing on the teeth, but this is not the case. Cavities occur when bacterial infections attack the hard tissues of the teeth, leading to destructive dental diseases. It is also a chronic infectious disease. Cavities are caused by bacterial factors, meaning bacteria are the initial factor in their development. Bacteria can use glucose to produce lactic acid, causing demineralization of the teeth and thus forming cavities. If one brushes their teeth and rinses their mouth immediately after eating to control dental plaque, the development of cavities can be controlled or slowed. If not controlled in time, cavities may further lead to pulpitis.

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How to treat a cavity that has decayed to the root of the tooth?

For a tooth decayed to the root, it is first necessary to take an X-ray of the tooth. If the X-ray shows that the root still has some salvage value, the tooth can be preserved through root canal treatment after controlling the inflammation. If the decay has reached the tip of the root and the root has no salvage value, the tooth needs to be extracted soon after controlling the inflammation. After the tooth is extracted, it is necessary to get a dental prosthesis as soon as possible depending on the condition of the tooth. If the prosthesis is not done in time, the tooth above may elongate, and the teeth on either side may tilt towards the gap, potentially leading to the loss of space over time.

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Can you get your teeth cleaned if you have cavities?

Cavities can also be treated with teeth cleaning. Firstly, a cavity is a type of dental caries, a tooth condition caused by tissue infection. Generally, it is accompanied by pain. Teeth cleaning is needed when there is a significant build-up of tartar around the teeth, which if not promptly cleaned, can lead to gingivitis and even periodontitis, potentially causing tooth loss. During cavities, teeth cleaning can be performed. However, teeth cleaning involves ultrasonic removal of tartar around the teeth. If the cavities are deep, the cleaning process may cause discomfort or severe pain. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the cavities first before proceeding with teeth cleaning to avoid significant pain during the cleaning process.

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Will tooth decay affect other teeth?

When a patient suffers from tooth decay, generally not taking measures to treat it may cause other teeth to also develop cavities. Some patients with long-term cavities may have one or more teeth affected, and even some patients might have entire teeth significantly decayed. Therefore, when cavities occur, certain measures must be taken for treatment. Depending on the condition of the cavity, a specific treatment plan should be formulated, whether it's a dental filling or tooth extraction. Thus, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene in their daily lives, brushing their teeth morning and evening. After meals, it's important to promptly remove food residues from the mouth and develop proper habits for brushing and eating. If a cavity develops, the patient should treat it early to prevent it from affecting other teeth.