The answer is not always simple. It really depends on how big the cavity is or how close the tooth is to falling out.
Size matters...
When a cavity is tiny (called an incipient lesion), your dentist may recommend fluoride varnish, or MI paste to help remineralize it (reverse it). BUT, if the cavity is bigger and has reached the second layer of the tooth called dentin, your dentist will probably recommend filling it as soon as possible.
What happens when you don't fill a cavity in baby teeth?
Untreated cavities can cause discomfort, pain, and may lead to an infection. The infection can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath and/or spread to other parts of the body, including the brain. This is why fillings in baby teeth are just as necessary as fillings in permanent teeth.
In addition to physical pain, cavities can also cause emotional stress to children. Because cavities are dark, brownish-black in appearance, kids can become self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth, causing them to smile less.
But baby teeth fall out anyway...
That is true. Baby teeth exfoliate between the ages of 6 and 13. Typically, the first tooth in will be the first tooth out. Once the permanent tooth is fully developed, it will push its way out to the surface, dissolving the baby tooth's root, making it loose and causing it to fall out. If the baby tooth with the cavity is expected to fall out soon, your dentist may recommend pulling it early, to prevent the cavity from spreading to the adjacent tooth. (That's very important, especially if the adjacent tooth is a permanent tooth!) BUT, if the baby tooth is not expected to come out for a few more years, then the cavity should be filled as soon as possible to avoid the potential problems mentioned above.
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