How do I know if toddler's teeth have worsened or improved based on appearance?

[heatherh]

Based on what they look like, how do I know if my toddler's teeth are getting better or worse? Also, what kind of timeline have you seen improvements/worsening?

I've heard "white lesions", "brown", "black", and "pitting" discussed here and at the dentist's office. Does anyone have a scale of what is not so bad vs worse and photos of what they look like? I'm not very experienced with this and would like some guidelines! I can get a pretty good look while she's sleeping at night, but not very sure what I'm looking at and how to tell if things are getting any better.

Thanks for any help...

[heatherh]

Would it help if I provide more info? Our dentist only got a quick look and basically confirmed "yeah, early decay." I'd say she had white lines and spots with some areas that were more off-white than white and possibly pitted? But I wouldn't call them brown. The dentist said that if the decay dies, it will turn brown or black. But it seems like I see you guys describe brown as a cavity... So I'm confused.

Now I *think* I might be seeing some brown. Worried it's getting worse, but really I don't know.

[mbravebird]

My understanding is that it's the light brown or tan that is rapid decay. White is sometimes pre-decay, and sometimes hypoplasia. And dark brown or black is very slow decay, which has a chance of stopping. HTH!