Tooth decay begins as a superficial lesion which appears as white spots on the tooth enamel. However, if no appropriate treatment is given early, the decay may develop into a deep cavity inside the tooth, penetrate into its tissues and cause inflammatory process. Dental caries mostly affects the teeth that perform the masticatory function, upper milk incisors.

CAUSES:

  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Excess consumption of carbohydrates.
  • Continuous use of pacifiers and feeding bottles in the night.
  • Fluoride deficiency in child's nutrition

SYMPTOMS:

  • White or brown spots which cannot be washed away.
  • The unpleasant feeling while eating.
  • Child chews food only with one side of teeth may be an indicator of a toothache.
EARLY DECAY-WHITE SPOT LESION
MODERATE DECAY
SEVERE DECAY

TREATMENT:

  • If caries part doesn't involve soft tissues, called pulp, filling alone is enough to save the tooth.
  • If caries involves inner soft tissue, then the carious part of the tooth and soft tissues that are infected by bacteria, are cleaned then sterilised and filled. This process called as pulpectomy. This procedure followed by a crown.

Thus, the treated deciduous tooth will be functional until it is replaced by the permanent tooth.

PREVENTION:

  • Start brushing your kid's teeth when the first tooth erupts in the mouth.
  • Well-balanced nutrition.
  • Make sure that sufficient amount of fluoride is there in drinking water.
  • Regular dental examinations for every 6 months.