my three year old baby has tooth decay.due to bottle milk. what is the solution. how to slow the tooth decay. is it possible tooth shed itself.

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Accepted Answer

Tooth decay in young children, often referred to as "bottle tooth decay" or "early childhood caries," can be a concern. Here’s how you can manage and address tooth decay, especially if it is due to prolonged exposure to sugary liquids from a bottle:

### Managing and Preventing Further Decay

1. **Dental Care Routine**:
   - **Brushing**: Start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. For children under 3 years old, use a smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
   - **Flossing**: Once teeth are touching, begin flossing daily to remove plaque from between the teeth.

2. **Dietary Changes**:
   - **Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks**: Reduce the consumption of sugary snacks and drinks, including fruit juices. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle containing milk or any sugary liquid.
   - **Encourage Water**: Offer water instead of sugary beverages and avoid prolonged bottle-feeding.

3. **Regular Dental Visits**:
   - **Pediatric Dentist**: Schedule regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist. They can assess the extent of decay and provide treatments to prevent further damage. Early intervention can help manage and potentially reverse minor decay.

4. **Fluoride Treatments**:
   - **Fluoride Application**: Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel and prevent further decay.

5. **Dental Sealants**:
   - **Sealants**: In some cases, dental sealants may be applied to protect the surfaces of the teeth from decay.

### Can Decay "Shed" Itself?

- **Self-Healing**: Unfortunately, tooth decay cannot heal itself. Decay is a process where the tooth structure is damaged by acid produced by bacteria. Once enamel is eroded, it does not regenerate. Early stages of decay might be arrested or managed, but established cavities need professional treatment.

### Solutions for Existing Decay

1. **Dental Fillings**:
   - **Treatment**: If decay has caused cavities, your dentist will likely recommend fillings or other restorative treatments to repair the damaged teeth.

2. **Preventive Care**:
   - **Ongoing Care**: Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to prevent further issues and manage existing problems.

### Conclusion

To manage and slow down tooth decay in your child, focus on good oral hygiene practices, dietary adjustments, and regular dental visits. While decay will not resolve on its own, early and effective treatment can help preserve your child’s dental health and prevent further damage. Consult with a pediatric dentist to get a personalized treatment plan and recommendations based on your child's specific needs.