Filling rotten baby teeth may be an unnecessary trial for children to endure, experts say.
Some 40% of five-year-olds in the UK have tooth decay and at least one in 10 of these is treated with fillings.
But anecdotal evidence from 50 dentists gathered by Manchester University researchers suggests filling baby teeth may not offer significant benefits.
Advisers to the NHS are now beginning a study on treatment options to provide dentists with clear guidelines.