Baby tooth decay can be read several different ways. The first is tooth decay in a baby tooth, a non-permanent tooth. This implies that the child with the baby tooth cavity is older and that the adult teeth are not far from coming in. It can also be read as tooth decay in a baby's tooth, the tooth of an infant (which is also a non-permanent tooth). Just as they are read different ways they are also treated in different ways. A baby with tooth decay could have Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, and since this is often a very serious disease it can be difficult to treat considering the patient is a baby.
Baby tooth decay in an infant is a symptom of the afore mentioned Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, which is also known as Baby Bottle Mouth or Early Childhood Cavities. This is often so serious that it requires treatment at a hospital under general anesthesia. This problem is usually caused by leaving babies with a baby bottle while sleeping, a time when the mouth is more prone to attack from bacteria. Yet the name is deceiving because it can be caused by breast milk or fruit juices as well. The best way to avoid this problem is to clean the baby teeth and gums regularly, especially before putting your child to sleep.
Baby tooth decay that refers to an older child still with baby teeth and cavities in those teeth is easier to treat but can still be a problem. The problem is that children are more often afraid of undergoing treatment than adults. This is despite the fact that cavity fillings are a relatively easy and pain free procedure. Sometimes, if the cavity in baby tooth is extensive enough, a child root canal or possibly even baby tooth extraction will be needed.
If are interested in learning more about baby tooth decay or if you are worried about your child's dental health, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team is one of the most experienced in Atlanta. Our dentists have over 20 years of experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our dental family. If you would like schedule an appointment with our Atlanta family dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, feel free to call us at 404-874-7428.