Advanced Caries - Major Findings
- Figure eight: Child aged 2 to 4
years
- Large pits
- Destruction of the enamel of the tooth
- Note, also, signs of early caries, including chalky white discoloration of enamel near gum line
- Figure nine: Child aged 3 to 6 years
- Surface not continuous and intact at corner and edge (arrow A)
- Obvious "hole" between the teeth
- Small stained pit with white chalky surrounding (arrow B) is early caries
- Figure ten: Child aged 3 to 6 years
- Surface discontinuous not intact at corner and edge (arrow A)
- Large discoloration on chewing surface (arrow B)
- Early signs of discoloration of chewing surface (small dark pit arrow C)
- Upper and lower teeth with multiple caries indicate rampant caries
- Figure eleven: Child aged 3 years
- This child will have to undergo major rehabilitation
- Teeth have decayed to gums
- Dental roots are still present
- Arrow shows an abscess formed by infection of the remaining root
- This tooth must be pulled (extracted) to avoid severe and infections
- Probably baby bottle caries because the lower teeth are not decayed
- This child will have to undergo major rehabilitation
Advanced Caries - Counseling about ECC
Health professionals should recommend:
- Visit dentist for fillings (restorations)
- Discontinue the bottle and reduce use of sippy cup
- Eliminate sweetened foods and carbonated drinks
- Eliminate foods with high sucrose and acidic content
- Brush teeth regularly with fluoridated toothpaste
Major Signs of Caries Include:
- Chalky, white, rough lesions at the gum line
- Presence of stains with other signs of caries
- Decay of the enamel, looking like pits
- Surfaces and edges not smooth and intact
- Stains on the inner surface of front teeth
- Stains surrounded by a ring of white
- Obvious holes between teeth