Top 5 Signs Of Tooth Decay In Children

Tooth decay is the #1 most common preventable childhood disease, and can affect kids of all ages. Even with good at-home oral hygiene and routine dental visits to Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, it’s possible for kids to develop cavities. 

So what are the top signs of cavities, and how can you recognize them between visits to our office? Learn more below, and make sure your child gets the care they need from Dr. Wendy if they have a cavity! 

1. Complaints About Tooth Sensitivity

This is a very common sign of tooth decay. Your child may complain of discomfort or pain when they eat very hot or cold foods. They may also feel discomfort when eating really sugary foods, or when chewing hard or tough foods.

Tooth sensitivity could indicate a cavity or an infected tooth, so take these complaints seriously. If your child complains of sensitivity for more than a day or two, consider visiting Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to get to the bottom of things.

2. Tooth Pain

Consistent, chronic tooth pain usually indicates a tooth infection, which can happen due to an untreated cavity. Infected teeth need to be treated right away to protect your child’s oral health. If they don’t get the help they need, they could end up losing their tooth.

3. Spots And Discoloration On The Tooth

The first stage of tooth decay often appears as “white spots” on the tooth. This indicates the enamel is weakening, and that a cavity may form. However, it can be hard to notice these white spots on your child’s teeth.

As cavities get worse, though, they tend to discolor the nearby tooth. You may notice brown, gray, black, or dark stains near the decaying area. If you see this, you need to schedule an appointment for a filling right away. The sooner your child’s cavity is treated, the better.

4. Visible Holes In The Tooth

If you look into your child’s mouth with a light, you may be able to see visible pits or holes in the tooth, especially in areas where the tooth structure is discolored. If you can see any kind of obvious cavity, you need to get treatment from a San Diego pediatric dentist right away to protect your child’s oral health. 

5. Gum Discoloration And/Or Swelling 

Like a toothache, this may happen if your child’s tooth has a very deep cavity and has become infected. As bacteria begin to build up within the structure of the tooth, the nearby gum tissue will become swollen and discolored. The gums near the tooth may look puffy and red or dark in color. 

Think Your Child Has A Cavity? Contact Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Today! 

At Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Wendy Yang can provide the dental care your child needs to restore their smile, such as fillings and crowns for cavities. If you notice one or more of the above signs of tooth decay in children, don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at 858-888-9298 to schedule an appointment in San Diego right away.