Five year old has cavity in baby tooth, should we fill it?!
Question:
Five year old has cavity in baby tooth, should we fill it?
My son has a small cavity in a baby tooth.It bothers him sometimes.He is scared of going to get it filled at the Dentist.
Should it be filled and advice against his fear???
Answers:
Yes you should get it fixed. He will have that tooth for a long time and if there is a cavity the cavity can rot the entire tooth away until there is nothing left but a mushy black spot that used to be a tooth. Then it can affect the permanent tooth as well. Each baby tooth is there for eating, alignment, speech and guiding the permanent tooth to its rightful spot in the oral cavity. If you don't properly maintain the baby-teeth you could be setting up for problems with the permanent teeth.
I suggest looking for a pediatric dentist if he is fearful of the family dentist. Pediatric dentist have a better handle on working with children who are afraid.
Lastly, don't try to explain anything to your child it will only scare him more. shots, fillings, drills are all scary words. Let the assistants and doctors do the talking. Just tell him that he's going to the dentist and if he has questions tell him you are not sure and what they are going to do but you will let him ask the doctor.
Good Luck
Dental assistant