Dental caries or cavities in primary teeth do not imply that the permanent teeth will also have compromised health.
The two components of this equation are not directly proportional but can be dependent on multiple factors.
Based on scientific research, its proven that the incidence of dental decays in primary teeth is about 80 -85% especially the cavities that occur in between the two baby molars. The main reasons for this incidence are improper, unsupervised brushing, lack or absence of flossing and frequent snacking habits in children.
When the cavities have been diagnosed, proper dental treatment either inculcating fillings or pulp therapies based on clinical or radiographic status should be taken into consideration.
Following the completion of required treatments, four- or six-monthly dental check and prevention appointments should be scheduled in.
There should also be constructive reinforcement about oral hygiene habits which include parental guided and assisted brushing as well regular flossing. There should also be detailed guidance regarding dietary habits stressing on controlled snacking.
Having protocolled all the preventive and treatment factors, the primary teeth decay can be stabilized which creates conducive and healthy environment for erupting permanent teeth, thus keeping the permanent teeth cavity free.
Of course, there are certain anatomical, physiological, and genetic factors that are beyond our control but, significant changes in the oral health can be always seen once we are able to work with the factors under our control.
Once all the concerns of primary teeth have been treated and resolved, stable oral health of permanent teeth becomes inevitable.