The term ‘rampant caries’ has prompted numerous
definitions and synonyms within dentistry.
Generally it can be described as decay that
spreads quickly, destroying the crowns of many
or all of the erupted teeth. In practice, this can be
taken to mean that at least two of the upper
incisor teeth have developed decay. It also
affects surfaces that are normally less likely to
decay and can lead to early pulp damage. Usually,
there is an absence of decay of the lower
incisors. Teeth may appear brown or black and
are often said by parents to have come through
decayed. Other terms commonly used to describe
this include; Nursing Bottle Caries, Baby Bottle
Tooth Decay (BBTD), Baby Bottle Caries, and
Nursing Bottle Syndrome.
In addition to altering the way in which sugary
drinks are consumed, parents should also
remember to brush their children’s teeth with a
small pea sized amount of a low dose fluoride
toothpaste as soon as the teeth erupt.
For children who are considered to be at high risk
and are living in areas with water supplies with
less than 0.3ppm fluoride ion, supplements may be
used. It is advisable though that fluoride
supplements only be given following guidance
from a dentist. Current fluoride dosage
recommendations for those living in areas with
water supplies containing less than 0.3ppm
fluoride:Fluoride supplements should not normally be given
to children living in areas with water containing
fluoride at a level of 0.7ppm or more.
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