Does my child have a cavity is a common question we hear from parents. As an adult, it’s somewhat easy to spot a tooth issue like a cavity. Maybe you have a constant toothache or spontaneous pain when eating or drinking. Perhaps you find visible holes or pits in your teeth while determining why you are in pain. There might be brown, black, or white staining on the surface of a tooth. Once you recognize there is an issue, you will call your dentist. But, first, let’s make sure you know how to spot a cavity in your child’s mouth.
How to Spot a Cavity in Your Child’s Mouth
Your child might be suffering from a cavity, yet our little ones can’t entirely communicate to us what’s bothering them. So here are a few signs that indicate your child has a cavity!
My Child Complains of Tooth Pain
A child complaining of tooth pain does not mean they have a cavity, it could be something else. Tooth pain is also associated with a new tooth breaking through. When your child does complain of pain, it’s time for you to ask them to open and take a peek inside. Ask them to point or touch the tooth where they feel the pain and then begin to inspect the area.
My Child Complains of Gum Pain
Irritated gums can indicate that your child isn’t flossing or isn’t brushing their teeth well enough. Poor brushing and flossing could mean that their teeth are at risk of developing problems such as cavities. If their gums are irritated, schedule a dental check-up. We will make sure your child learns how to brush and floss their teeth properly.
Look for Spots on Teeth
A tooth with a cavity developing in it will begin to decay. As the decaying process progresses, the tooth will have dark areas before the entire tooth turns dark. If you notice white or brown chalky spots on your child’s teeth, then a cavity might be developing. However, if you find dark areas around the tooth, then tooth decay may have already started.
There is Pain While Chewing
A tooth with a cavity will cause pain while chewing. Sometimes, a child will be able to pinpoint an exact tooth causing them pain while chewing, but other times it may feel like an area in their mouth giving them pain rather than a specific tooth. You may also find that your child is less inclined to eat because of the pain.
My Child Complains of Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes cavities only cause pain when eating or chewing certain types of food. Your teeth feel sensitive due to bacteria that are thinning down your tooth enamel. Enamel protects the nerves in the teeth. High sugar foods, hot foods, or cold food sensitivity may signify that a cavity is developing.
There are Holes in My Child’s Teeth
A hole in a tooth is one of the more common and for-certain signs of a cavity. Once a cavity begins eating away at a tooth, the tooth as a whole is more fragile and form cracks or chips in them. A chipped or cracked tooth may be because of an injury. Either way, make sure you inspect for cavities to be safe.
Does My Child Have A Cavity?
Tooth pain is no fun; learn how to spot a cavity and put a stop to tooth pain in your child’s mouth. Once you spot the cavity, the next step is treating the cavity. Be sure to schedule a dental check-up for your little one as soon as you notice a sign of a cavity.