Could Your Child Have a Cavity?

Posted July 8, 2016

Has your child been complaining about tooth sensitivity or discomfort lately? Have you noticed your son shying away from some of his favorite treats, or your daughter turning down offers to enjoy delicacies she once loved? Discomfort when eating hot or cold foods, as well as those high in sugar, is just one warning sign that your child might have a cavity. Discoloration, especially black lines forming along crevices of teeth, is another common symptom of a cavity. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist should be able to help address your child’s cavities through minimally invasive treatment, like a tooth filling, so long as you schedule an appointment quickly. It’s important to remember that the longer a cavity remains untreated, the more likely it is to cause an infection.

Listen for Warning Signs They Might Be Suffering from Decay

One of the best things you can do to protect your kids’ oral health, is teach them to talk to you when they’re experiencing discomfort. Young kids, especially, may not know if they have a problem. By encouraging them to mention when they notice any changes in their smiles, you can better ensure that cavities are detected early.

Routine preventive visits can also help in this quest. Most dentists recommend visiting for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year, but if your kids seem prone to developing cavities, they may require more frequent visits to prevent future decay.

Early detection is key to helping ensure that minimally invasive treatment, like a dental filling, can sufficiently restore the smile. Progressed decay, like an infection, will require more extensive measures, such as root canal treatment, or for many kids, a pulpotomy.