Why Restore Primary Teeth?

Parents are often surprised to learn that their children have dental decay. They question the need to repair or restore the baby teeth because, after all, they are going to fall out.

The following information will help you to understand the need to obtain a dental examination by Dr. Barrera for your child no later than two years of age.

• Before the teeth erupt into the mouth, the bacteria that cause tooth decay are swallowed with food or saliva. When the first tooth appears there is now a surface for bacteria to adhere to and multiply.
  
  
• The primary teeth must be present to help guide the proper path for eruption (coming into the mouth) of the permanent teeth.
   
• If a child has a toothache or pain with chewing, he will not be able to eat properly. Decayed molars may affect a child's nutrition and could result in weight loss.
  
  
• Before age two and a half, the upper front primary teeth (incisors) are necessary for normal speech development. The facial appearance will also be affected by the early loss of the incisors.
   
• Abscess of the tooth may occur if tooth decay is not treated.
   
• Extensive decay of a primary molar may require an extraction (removal). Extraction of a primary molar in a toddler or pre-schooler could cause the accidental removal of the developing permanent tooth.
   
• Decay can spread from one tooth to the other by direct contact or by shedding into the saliva.