Most people believe that tooth decay is a problem experienced by adults, but it can also affect children. Given that children are more likely to consume sugary products, they are more prone to cavities, and the problem can escalate within no time without good oral health. As a parent, it's your responsibility to watch out for early signs of cavities so you visit a pediatric dentist on time. Check out the warning indicators of a child with cavities.
They Feel Pain As They Chew Food
When your child complains of tooth pain while eating, they likely have cavities. If the pain comes from a specific area when chewing, chances are one of the teeth in that area has cavities. A toothache that also persists for days may be a sign of cavities or could mean that a new tooth is erupting if your child hasn't lost their milk teeth. Whatever the case, the only way to know for sure is to see a specialist who can diagnose and remedy the problem.
There Are White Spots On Top of the Tooth
If your child doesn't brush or floss their teeth regularly, they can start to form white spots, which are an early warning sign of cavities. If you don't take action to address such a spot, it will ultimately create a hole in the teeth. The hole can form in areas where you can hardly notice them. If you can't see a hole, the affected tooth will be painful or have sensitivity.
Your Child Regularly Experiences Sensitivity
If your child squints when eating, they could be having cavities. This usually occurs as a tingling sensation or pain, particularly when consuming cold or hot drinks. The other common trigger of sensitivity for children with cavities is sweets, and this usually happens if your kid's teeth have weak enamel.
Your Child Feels Pain On the Gums
Gum pain is among the early warning signs of tooth decay. When cavities form around the gum line and are left untreated, they can result in pain and irritation. Pain on your child's gum could also be due to inflammation, one of the early warning indicators of gingivitis. If the pain is followed by excessive bleeding, especially when brushing or flossing, they likely have a severe infection. A pediatric dentist can perform an evaluation and advise on a treatment option.
It's always advisable to schedule regular pediatric dental appointments to ensure that your child's dental health is in great shape. Remember that tooth decay can happen to everyone, and such visits can help detect and address it before it becomes problematic.
Share6 June 2022
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.