Parents magazine's online site says that in 2007, 28 percent of children had at least one cavity in a baby tooth, and that dental disease is the most prevalent disease in childhood. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of cavities, also known as tooth decay, is bacteria in the plaque that builds up on the teeth. The symptoms of a cavity in a baby tooth include pain when eating hot, cold or sugary foods. Allowing a baby to sleep with a bottle contributes to cavities in a baby tooth because the fluid collects in his teeth when he lies down. Many treatments are available when a child has a cavity in his baby tooth, and a dentist can help parents choose the right one.
Filling
The American Dental Association says that promptly filling a cavity will stop the spread of tooth decay. An amalgam, or silver, filling is the one used most often and is made up of mercury, powdered silver and tin. Dentists pack the cavity with this substance, and upon hardening, it fills up the space the decay caused. Other filling options are available, which include resin and glass--choices that are often close to color of the baby tooth, according to the American Dental Association.
Crown
When the cavity is larger and has caused more damage to the top of the baby tooth, dentists use a crown instead of a filling. According to the American Dental Association, crowns come in gold, ceramics and composites. A composite is a mixture of resin and powdered glass that is the color of the baby tooth. The crown is placed on top of the baby tooth containing the cavity, and it prevents the decay from spreading. The dental association says that a crown placement takes two appointments, one to make a mold of the baby tooth that is used to prepare the crown, and a second to place the crown onto the baby tooth.
Pulpotomy
When damage is extensive enough that the cavity has gone down into the baby tooth and exposed the nerves, a pulpotomy is a common treatment in place of a root canal. This procedure entails removing the nerves and blood vessels in the exposed pulp chamber, and filling it. Saving a tooth is the goal of a pulpotomy, according to Pediatric Dental Health.
