Are cavities in children different from cavities in adults?

Yes, they are different. Baby teeth have thinner enamel than permanent teeth, so decay progresses faster and reaches the nerve in less time. If a cavity in a baby tooth is left alone, 1) the permanent tooth bud developing beneath it can be damaged, 2) if the baby tooth is lost early the space for the permanent tooth narrows, causing crowding and malocclusion, and 3) discomfort when chewing affects eating and growth. That is why a tooth that will fall out anyway still needs treatment. Once the first baby tooth has come in, we recommend a check-up every 3 to 6 months.