Dear Dr. Diesburg:
How important is it to take care of baby teeth? We brush our daughter’s teeth but I’m noticing some spots on them. She’s really close to the age when they are just going to fall out.
Do we need to get them taken care of?
Thanks,
Cathy in McMinnville
Dear Cathy,
If the spots are on the front teeth, it might be all right to leave them until they fall out. But if they are actually holes and not just spots, if they are hurting your child, or if your child is getting teased about them, then you should definitely bring her in. If they are on the molars, or back teeth, watch them. Molars act as place-holders for baby teeth, so it’s more important to make sure they stay as healthy as possible.
With children, it’s vitally important that they have a good experience at the dentist. It is always preferable to get them in for regular check-ups and have your dentist evaluate what is going on in your child’s mouth. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this and many other situations.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Diesburg
