Is it okay to ignore cavities in children’s teeth because they’re baby teeth?

“Baby teeth will eventually fall out, so it’s okay if they get cavities, right?”

We actually get this question from parents. It’s true that baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, so many people think, “It’s no problem because they’ll fall out anyway.” However, this is a major misconception. Leaving cavities in baby teeth untreated can potentially affect the subsequent permanent teeth and even your child’s overall health.

Baby teeth are directly connected to permanent teeth

While baby teeth and permanent teeth may seem entirely separate, they are actually closely linked. Directly beneath each baby tooth lies the bud (tooth germ) of the permanent tooth that will eventually emerge. The condition of the baby tooth directly influences how the permanent tooth erupts and its quality. If decay in a baby tooth progresses, inflammation can spread, potentially damaging this bud and causing discoloration or even abnormal shape in the developing permanent tooth.

Cavity Risk Carries Over to Permanent Teeth

Cavities aren’t random occurrences; they result from lifestyle habits. Cavities form when multiple factors—like how often sweets are consumed, brushing habits, and saliva quality and quantity—combine to create a persistent environment where “bacteria produce acid and dissolve teeth.”

In other words, children with cavities in their baby teeth face the same risk for their permanent teeth if their lifestyle habits remain unchanged. And permanent teeth are for life—they never grow back. Cavities in early childhood signal a predisposition to future cavities and unhealthy habits.

Impact on Dental Alignment

Furthermore, leaving baby tooth cavities untreated can cause teeth to chip or develop holes, leading to molars tilting sideways. Permanent teeth emerge first in the front and back, with the central premolars (the 3rd, 4th, and 5th teeth) typically erupting in the upper grades of elementary school. If molars tilt due to decayed baby teeth during this period, insufficient space remains for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. This ultimately causes malocclusion (crooked teeth).

Clinically, we frequently see cases where neglecting decayed baby teeth with the mindset “It’s just baby teeth, so it’s fine” leads to the need for orthodontic treatment later in life.

Impact on Overall Health and Psychology

Pain from cavities weakens chewing strength, potentially leading to picky eating habits and nutritional deficiencies. This can affect growth and learning ability. Furthermore, issues with appearance or bad breath can sometimes disrupt school life. What was dismissed as “just baby teeth” can actually impact your child’s future quality of life.

The Professional Perspective

In my own clinical practice, I have seen numerous children where “neglecting baby teeth led to permanent teeth erupting crookedly,” and conversely, children where “early treatment resulted in beautifully aligned permanent teeth.” There is no doubt that the oral environment during childhood directly impacts future tooth alignment and the longevity of teeth.

If we can identify a child as “high-risk” based on baby tooth decay, we can significantly reduce future risks through preventive measures (fluoride application, sealants), lifestyle improvements, and regular check-ups.

Summary

While baby teeth “will eventually fall out,” they are also crucial teeth that greatly impact permanent teeth, tooth alignment, and even your child’s overall health. That’s precisely why it’s vital to view them not as teeth to be ignored, but as the starting point for future-oriented oral care.

Don’t assume “it’s okay because they’re baby teeth.” If you have any concerns, please consult your dental clinic early.