What if a child gets an abscessed tooth in baby Can it damage the adult underneath?

An abscessed tooth in a baby, also known as baby bottle caries, can indeed damage the permanent adult tooth underneath. Here's how it can affect the development and health of the permanent tooth:

Enamel Defects: The infection and inflammation caused by the abscessed tooth can disrupt the formation of the permanent tooth's enamel. This can lead to enamel defects, such as discoloration, pitting, or thinning, in the adult tooth.

Altered Development: The infection and swelling associated with an abscessed tooth can impact the growth and development of the underlying permanent tooth. It can interfere with the proper formation of the tooth's shape, size, and root structure.

Delayed Eruption: The inflammation and pressure from the abscessed tooth can delay the eruption of the permanent tooth. In some cases, the permanent tooth may become impacted or fail to erupt altogether.

Infection Spread: If the infection from the abscessed baby tooth is not promptly treated, it can spread to surrounding tissues, including the developing permanent tooth germ. This can lead to further damage and complications.

Tooth Loss: In severe cases, an abscessed tooth can cause significant damage to the underlying permanent tooth, leading to its premature loss.

To prevent potential harm to the adult teeth, it's crucial to seek prompt treatment for an abscessed tooth in a baby. Early intervention can help control the infection, preserve the baby tooth, and minimize the risk of damage to the developing permanent tooth.