UK researchers believe filling baby teeth does not offer children any significant benefits other than causing dental phobia.

There are two schools of thought regarding the treatment of tooth decay in children: one suggests that baby teeth should be filled to inhibit subsequent pain and sleepless nights.

The other, however, claims that filling the teeth is only necessary when the child is suffering from its symptoms.

Without any clear guidelines, dentists currently rely on their experience to decide whether or not to treat baby tooth decay.

In a study conducted by Manchester University, researchers found that filling baby teeth only exposes children to the discomfort of an injection and the sound of the drill and does not have any notable advantage.

No difference was found in the number of extractions due to pain and infection between those had had their baby teeth filled and those who had not.

Scientists concluded that further studies are required to provide dentists with clear guidelines regarding the treatment of tooth decay in children.

PKH/HGH