How Do I Know If My Kid Has a Cavity? Part One

Posted March 24, 2016

Most parents know that one of the biggest threats to their kids’ oral health is cavities. They can be caused by a number of factors, including a diet too high in sugar, poor dental hygiene, or simply genetics. Due to all these reasons, dental decay is quite common, in children as well as adults. However, that does not mean that cavities are inevitable. It just takes a lot of work to properly prevent them, through a healthy diet, regular dental checkups and also great dental hygiene, at-home. What should you do if your kid does develop a cavity, though? As a parent, it’s especially helpful to know the warning signs of a cavity, so that if your child does develop one, you will know how to react, so that his or her oral health can quickly be restored!

Pay Attention to Even Subtle Smile Changes

If your child begins complaining about dental sensitivity, it could be caused by a cavity. While that is not always the case, increased sensitivity is a common symptom of dental decay.

The sensitivity can be caused when the tooth layer beneath the enamel, the dentin, becomes exposed, due to decay. The dentin is not as strong as the enamel, which is why many people can feel increased sensitivity or discomfort as a cavity develops.

Other common warning signs of cavities are grey lines or patches, or even overly white areas. You may also be able to see visible plaque buildup, or inflamed gums, that could be symptoms of a cavity (which often requires a filling to treat) or another dental problem.