"They are only milk teeth, they will fall anyway." This is a common belief, but untreated cavities in milk teeth can cause pain, infection and problems with permanent teeth.
Why Milk Teeth Are Important
- Help children chew and get proper nutrition
- Support clear speech
- Hold space for permanent teeth
- Help the jaw grow properly
- Give confidence to smile
Causes of Cavities in Children
- Frequent sweets, biscuits, chocolates and juices
- Sleeping with a milk bottle
- Not brushing before bed
- Sticky snacks between meals
Why Untreated Cavities Are a Problem
- Toothache and difficulty eating
- Infection and swelling
- Early loss of milk teeth, causing crooked permanent teeth
- Damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath
Treatment Options
- Fillings for small cavities
- Pulpectomy or pulpotomy (child root canal) for deep decay
- Crowns for badly damaged teeth
- Space maintainers if a tooth is lost early
Prevention Tips for Parents
- Start cleaning gums even before teeth appear
- Brush twice daily with a rice-grain size of fluoride toothpaste (under 3 years) or pea-size (3–6 years)
- Avoid bottle feeding at bedtime
- Limit sweets and sticky snacks
- Pit and fissure sealants on back teeth
- First dental visit by the first birthday
Why Choose SAIDS Dental Hospital?
- Pedodontics department: Gentle, child-friendly care by paediatric dental specialists.
- Specialist departments: 9 dental specialities with experienced MDS doctors under one roof.
- Strong surgical team: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department, led by experienced surgeons from Government Dental College backgrounds.
- Advanced diagnostics: Dental X-ray, OPG and CBCT 3D scan on campus.
- Hospital backup: Part of the MMC Hospital campus, safe for patients with diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should my child first see a dentist?
By the first birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth.
2. Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays use very low radiation and are taken only when needed.
3. What are sealants?
A protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth that helps prevent cavities.
Book Your Consultation at SAIDS Dental Hospital
Protect your child's smile with gentle specialist care. Visit SAIDS Dental Hospital & Clinic, MMC Campus, Ulliyeri, Modakkallur, Kozhikode – 673323.
Call / WhatsApp: +91 75105 00043 | +91 86067 30213
OPD Timings: Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM