What term is used to describe severe caries in a baby or toddler?

The term that accurately describes severe caries in a baby or toddler is known as "Early Childhood Caries." This condition refers specifically to the presence of one or more decayed, missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth of a child from birth to age six. It typically reflects a concerning degree of decay that can lead to pain, infection, and further dental issues if not managed properly.

While "Baby Bottle Caries" is often used informally to describe a subset of early childhood caries associated with prolonged bottle feeding, particularly when sugary liquids are given in bottles, it is not the widely accepted clinical term compared to Early Childhood Caries. The other terms presented don't specifically pertain to the context of caries in infants and toddlers: "Dental Erosion" describes the loss of tooth enamel due to acid, which is a different process, while "Cavitation" refers to the formation of cavities but does not denote the specific age range or context of occurrence. Therefore, Early Childhood Caries remains the appropriate term for this condition in young children.