What does dental caries in primary teeth mean?

Decay of primary teeth generally refers to demineralization, softening, and dissolution of the tooth surface that occurs after a child's primary teeth have erupted. If discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The specific analysis is as follows:

The symptoms of primary tooth decay vary depending on the extent of damage and can be classified into three stages: initial (shallow) caries, moderate caries, and deep caries. In the initial stage, white chalky spots or brown to dark-brown spots may appear on the tooth surface, which becomes rough; however, there are usually no subjective symptoms. In moderate caries, decay has reached the superficial layer of dentin, causing pain in response to cold water, cold air, or sweet and acidic foods. However, once the stimulus is removed, symptoms disappear immediately. In deep caries, decay has progressed to the deep layer of dentin, approaching or already affecting the dental pulp. At this stage, the tooth becomes sensitive to cold, heat, sourness, and sweetness, and pain may persist for some time even after the stimulus is removed.

It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily, rinsing the mouth after meals, and using dental floss to remove food debris between teeth. Additionally, under medical supervision, dental caries removal can be performed. This procedure involves thoroughly removing the decayed portion of the tooth, typically using a low-speed handpiece or high-speed turbine to eliminate the decayed tissue.