Quite a number of moms have this concern: my baby is too young to have his/her decayed incisors fixed. But is it true? 

Babies are prone to get cavities in incisors at the age of 2 or 3, mainly caused by baby bottle tooth decay. Brown or black dents and defects on the proximal surface or the surface of baby’s teeth are the signs of early cavities.

Can a 3 year old’s decayed incisors be fixed?

According to the dentists at Shenzhen AKJ Dental Hospital, decayed incisors can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the decay.

1. If the decay is still in the demineralization stage, conservative treatment like fluoride varnish or medications can work well to prevent further development of the caries.

2. Small hole on the surface of the tooth means a cavity has been formed. You need to bring your baby to the hospital promptly. The dentist will check the size and depth of the cavity, and evaluate whether the tooth nerve is damaged. If not, the cavity can be filled with a conventional resin material at this moment; if yes, you may need to seek further treatment.

3. A relatively large and deep cavity may spread infection to the dental nerve, causing pulpitis or apical periodontitis. In this case, pulpectomy or root canal treatment may be required, depending on the condition of the remaining tooth tissues.

4. Lack of prompt treatment for root cavities may eventually force you to resort to tooth extraction.

How much does it cost to fix the decayed incisors?

The cost is determined by the severity of the decay. Decay in the demineralization stage can be easily treated, so it may only cost about two or three hundred yuan; cavities with no pulp damage can be repaired by fillings, and it may cost over three hundred yuan, depending on the filling material; root cavities in which case pulpectomy or root canal treatment is needed, may cost more than one thousand yuan; the seriously broken deciduous teeth which can not be saved, should be pulled out, of which the cost varies from a few dozen to a few hundred yuan.

In summary, whether your baby is getting cavities at the age of 2 or 3, you are suggested to have a dentist examine the severity of the decay, and seek timely treatment. Some kids may be unable to cooperate with the treatment, then the dentist and parents should give them the right guidance. In view of this, it is recommended to choose a professional hospital with good diagnosis and treatment environment. Last but not the least, you should always take good care of your baby’s dental hygiene.