The Early Signs of a Cavity in Your Child’s Tooth

If you have a toddler or young child, you know how miraculous it is when they first start to grow a set of teeth.
Your little one will likely be proud to show off that new tooth whenever possible. Unfortunately, there’s a chance they might not be too happy to show you another feature of growing teeth: a cavity.
If you thought cavities only occurred in adults, think again. Cavities can happen to your little one at a surprisingly early age.
To learn more about cavities in children, keep reading to learn those early signs they might have one.
Early Signs of a Cavity
There are many early signs of a cavity in your child’s tooth. It is essential to know them because early treatment prevents the cavity from worsening.
A White or Brown Spot on Your Child’s Tooth
If you see a white or brown spot on your child’s tooth, it could be an early sign of a cavity. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that can be caused by decay.
The best way to prevent a cavity is to brush and floss your child’s teeth daily. You should also see your child’s dentist for a check-up.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Temperatures
An early sign of a cavity in your child’s tooth may be apparent when your child starts to experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This can signify that the tooth enamel begins to break down, leading to a cavity.
Visible Holes in the Tooth
These holes are caused by the bacteria that are present in the mouth. They feed on the sugars that are present in the food that your child eats. The bacteria produce acid that breaks down the tooth’s enamel, causing holes to form.
If the cavity is small, the dentist may advise you to ensure that your child cleans their teeth well. If the cavity is large, the dentist may recommend that your child has a filling.
Pain When Chewing
When a child starts to experience pain when chewing, it could be a sign they have a cavity in their tooth. If the pain is only present when they chew on certain foods, there is likely a cavity.
If the pain is constant, it could be a sign of an abscessed tooth. A trip to the dentist is always the best way to determine the cause of the pain and get the proper treatment.
Bad Breath or a Bad Taste in the Mouth
When your child has bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth, it could be one of the early signs of a cavity in kids. This is usually caused by bacteria that are present in the mouth and on the teeth. These bacteria can cause the formation of plaque, which can eventually lead to cavities.
Don’t hesitate to take your child to a pediatric dentist if you notice these signs. But before doing so, read this guide on how to choose pediatric dentists for your children.
Catch the Early Signs Before It’s Too Late
If you see any early signs of a cavity in your child’s tooth, schedule an appointment with their dentist immediately. Treatment can help prevent the cavity from worsening and causing further tooth damage.
Cavities can become painful, spread to other teeth, or result in infection. Luckily, there are ways to detect and treat cavities at the early stages so you can head them off before they become problematic.
Cavities are nothing to ignore; the sooner they’re treated, the better.
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