Should Children with Damaged Teeth Have Them Filled?

Our teeth play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, and thus require special attention and care. Many children experience dental problems, and some even develop issues such as discoloration or decay at a very young age. When signs of tooth decay emerge in children, parents should promptly seek dental treatment to prevent further complications and adverse effects.

If your child has decayed baby teeth, it is essential to undergo dental filling treatment. Failure to do so can lead to an increase in the area of decay, resulting in frequent toothaches and potentially affecting the growth and development of permanent teeth. Similarly, if your child's permanent teeth are decayed, early filling treatment is necessary as permanent teeth do not get replaced.

Parents should encourage and assist their children to brush their teeth twice a day, morning and evening, for 3 to 5 minutes each time. Regular dental check-ups are also recommended.

a. Poor Bedtime Habits: Some children have unhealthy bedtime habits, such as eating before going to sleep. Food residues can easily lead to the development of dental caries.

b. Excessive Consumption of Sweet Foods: Children's teeth have a weaker chewing function and tend to consume soft foods that often contain a high amount of sugar. This sugar can easily ferment and produce acid, leading to dental caries.

c. Excessive Snacking: Children often consume snacks that are high in sugar and sticky. The sugar in these foods can be easily broken down by bacteria, producing acid that corrodes the teeth and causes dental caries.

d. Poor Oral Hygiene: Infants are unable to brush their teeth themselves, and many children do not brush their teeth properly or use the correct method. Additionally, children often have the bad habit of snacking without cleaning their teeth, which can easily lead to dental caries.