Tooth decay in children’s milk teeth: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see
Milk teeth decay quickly because their enamel is thin. Falling asleep drinking milk or juice from a bottle and frequent snacking are the biggest risks. Milk teeth should not be neglected because “they will fall out anyway”; losing them early can make permanent teeth come in crooked.
Which doctor should I see for tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
For tooth decay in children’s milk teeth you can first see: Dentist or Pediatrics or Pediatric Dentistry. In large hospitals the Paediatric Dentistry unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
- White, then brown spots at the gum line of the front teeth
- Holes and breaks in the teeth
- Pain when eating, sensitivity to sweets and cold
- Waking at night with pain
- A pimple-like swelling on the gum
What causes tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Long exposure to sugary liquids while falling asleep with a bottle or night breastfeeding
- 2Frequent snacking and sugary drinks
- 3Not brushing enough
- 4Lack of fluoride
- 5Bacteria passing from parent to baby by sharing spoons
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there facial swelling and fever
- Is the child unable to eat or drink because of pain
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- From the first tooth, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: a rice-grain-sized smear under 3, a pea-sized amount at 3–6.
- Do not let the child fall asleep drinking milk or juice from a bottle.
- Do not give sugary snacks between meals.
- Have an adult help with brushing until age 8.
See a doctor if
- After the first tooth comes through, or by age 1 at the latest
- You notice a spot or hole in a tooth
- The same day if there is swelling or pain
How long does it last and how is it treated?
Early decay is treated with fluoride varnish and fillings; advanced decay may need a milk-tooth nerve treatment (pulpotomy) or extraction with a space maintainer. Paediatric dentists use methods suited to the child.
Treatment options for tooth decay in children’s milk teeth
See how each treatment is done, how long it takes and which doctors offer it in your city. Your doctor will decide which option suits you after an examination.
Find a dentist in your city
Dentists in Turkish cities who can help with tooth decay in children’s milk teeth.
People also describe it as
- “My child’s teeth are decayed”
- “My baby’s front teeth have gone dark”
- “Decay in milk teeth”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
For tooth decay in children’s milk teeth you can first see: Dentist or Pediatrics or Pediatric Dentistry. In large hospitals, the Paediatric Dentistry unit also deals with this. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
Common symptoms: white, then brown spots at the gum line of the front teeth; holes and breaks in the teeth; pain when eating, sensitivity to sweets and cold; waking at night with pain; a pimple-like swelling on the gum. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
The most common causes: long exposure to sugary liquids while falling asleep with a bottle or night breastfeeding; frequent snacking and sugary drinks; not brushing enough; lack of fluoride; bacteria passing from parent to baby by sharing spoons. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does tooth decay in children’s milk teeth last and how is it treated?
Early decay is treated with fluoride varnish and fillings; advanced decay may need a milk-tooth nerve treatment (pulpotomy) or extraction with a space maintainer. Paediatric dentists use methods suited to the child.
Should decay in milk teeth be treated?
Yes. Untreated decay causes pain and infection, can damage the permanent tooth beneath it, and early tooth loss can leave no room for permanent teeth.
When should a child first see a dentist?
After the first tooth comes through, or by age 1 at the latest.
What is fluoride varnish?
A protective coating painted on the tooth surface that strengthens the enamel and lowers the risk of decay; it is painless and takes a few minutes.
When is tooth decay in children’s milk teeth an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there facial swelling and fever?” “Is the child unable to eat or drink because of pain?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for tooth decay in children’s milk teeth?
See a doctor: after the first tooth comes through, or by age 1 at the latest; you notice a spot or hole in a tooth; the same day if there is swelling or pain.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.