What should be done if a child's tooth decay has already resulted in a hollow cavity?

When a child's tooth decay has progressed to the point of being completely hollowed out, parents should take the child to the dentistry department of a regular hospital as soon as possible. Treatment measures include improving oral hygiene habits, filling therapy, root canal treatment, crown restoration, and tooth extraction. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improve Oral Hygiene Habits: Parents should encourage children to brush their teeth carefully every day, rinse their mouths promptly after meals, and use fluoride toothpaste. Regular dental checkups should be scheduled to detect and treat dental caries early.

2. Filling Therapy: This is suitable for cases where the decay has not affected the dental nerve but involves a large cavity. The dentist will remove the decayed material and perform filling treatment using glass ionomer or resin materials. If the cavity is close to the dental nerve, it may be necessary to place a base before filling.

3. Root Canal Treatment: If the decay has affected the dental nerve, root canal treatment will be required. This procedure involves cleaning, disinfecting, and filling the root canal to eliminate inflammation within it. If the child's dental nerve has not fully developed, an apexification procedure may be performed first.

4. Crown Restoration: This is suitable for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, especially primary teeth or permanent teeth that are expected to remain for a long time before being replaced. Crown restoration can reduce damage to the tooth and prevent it from cracking.

5. Tooth Extraction: In extreme cases, such as when the cavity is very severe and affects the tooth root or surrounding tissues, the affected tooth may need to be extracted. Extraction is a last resort and is usually considered only when other treatments have failed.

At the same time, parents should limit their child's intake of sweets and encourage consumption of more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to enhance chewing ability and prevent tooth decay.