Decay in a child's milk teeth: why not to ignore it

Signs to get checked

• Dark or brown spots, or a hole in the tooth.
• The child refuses food or cries at night with tooth pain.
• Pain with cold or sweet food.
• Swollen gum, or a boil on the gum.

What can happen if it is ignored

1. Decay spreads quicklyMilk teeth have thin enamel, so decay gets inside quickly.
2. Pain once it reaches the nerveThe child may refuse food and cry at night.
3. Pus collects and the gum swellsThe infection can harm the new tooth underneath.
4. Losing the tooth early reduces spaceNearby teeth drift, and the new tooth can come in crooked.

Brushing by age

1. Under 3Start when the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months. Use a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste, and brush for your child.
2. 3 to 6Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Your child brushes while you watch.
3. 7 and overThey can brush alone. Check now and then that it is done properly.

At every age, brush twice a day for about 2 minutes, with the last time at bedtime. Don't swallow toothpaste. After brushing, spit it out but don't rinse with water.

Food habits

• No bottle of milk or sweet drinks at bedtime.
• Limit sweets and chocolate, and give them with meals rather than often through the day.

When is the first dental visit?

Come once when the first milk teeth appear, or before your child turns 1. This helps your child get used to the dentist and gives you advice on preventing decay. Don't use the dentist as a threat.

Treatment at the chamber

Decay in milk teeth, fillings and extractions. Treatment is done slowly, with explanations, so the child is not frightened.

When to come quickly

Don't wait if there is pain or swollen gum. If the face swells or your child has a fever, get treatment the same day. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital.

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