How to treat cavities in a 2.8-year-old child’s front teeth?

Question

Hi doctor,

My daughter is two years and eight months old. Her top four teeth were turning brown. We thought it was a stain and did not probe further. Now I see a small cavity formed between her two front teeth.

Please answer a few of my questions:

Could you please elaborate on the available treatment options?
Is it necessary for her to be given general anesthesia or sedation for filling?
Will it affect her permanent teeth?
How fast will it spread?
What other precautions should I take? She hardly eats chocolates and sweets.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query, and I can understand your concern.

Your child's condition is called nursing bottle caries. The dentist will check, and if the cavity is small, he will just do a filling. If he finds the cavity is large, he will take an X-ray and then decide whether to proceed with a pulpectomy or a pulpotomy.

It is not necessary to give sedation if the patient is cooperative. This condition will not affect her permanent teeth. Make sure to brush her teeth twice daily, avoid bottle- or breastfeeding at night, and refrain from adding sugar to the milk.

Hope I have addressed all of your queries and concerns. Do follow up whenever needed.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Generally, the mother is made to sit in the dental chair with the kid on her lap. Again, it depends on the type and duration of the treatment. If it is a long procedure, then mild sedation is given.

I hope I have addressed all of your questions and concerns. Please follow up whenever needed.

Thank you.