Many parents believe that milk teeth do not need to be treated because they will fall out anyway. However, dentists emphasize that this viewpoint is a common myth that can lead to health and jaw development issues for the child. At the same time, the specialist always assesses the situation individually: intervention is not always required immediately, but the dentist should have objective criteria for evaluating the condition.
Why Milk Teeth Are Important
Milk teeth are not just temporary "placeholders" until adult teeth come in. They serve several key functions:
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they hold space in the jaw for the proper eruption of permanent teeth;
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they help the child chew and obtain proper nutrition;
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they participate in speech formation;
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they contribute to the proper development of the jaw and facial system.
Dentists note that if a milk tooth is lost prematurely due to decay or inflammation, neighboring teeth shift, and there may not be enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt normally — this leads to crowding, improper bite, and the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Risks of Refusing Treatment
Ignoring problems with milk teeth also has serious consequences. If decay is not treated:
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the infection can spread to the buds of permanent teeth, damaging their enamel and structure;
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gum inflammation develops, increasing the risk of pain and complications;
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the child may avoid chewing hard foods, which worsens their nutrition and growth.
When You Can Wait
In some situations, the dentist may recommend observation instead of immediate treatment or extraction:
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the tooth is already actively loosening and will soon fall out on its own;
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the carious lesion is superficial, not causing pain or gum inflammation;
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there are no symptoms of infection or pressure on surrounding tissues.
This approach is only possible after an examination by a specialist and monitoring through X-rays, as visual readiness for tooth loss can be misleading.
Prevention and Care
Dentists advise parents to start oral care from the moment the first tooth erupts, to brush teeth twice a day, limit sweets, and take the child to the dentist at least every 6 months. These measures help prevent early decay and maintain the health of milk teeth until they naturally transition to permanent ones.
