Early Indicators Your Child Has A Tooth Decay Problem
Posted on: 31 January 2023
When germs or bacteria accumulate on your child's teeth over time, they cause cavities. Usually, they form a sticky layer on the tooth's surface known as plaque. The bacteria will keep feeding on the foods and drinks your kid consumes, producing acids that can quickly harm the teeth. If plaque isn't removed, the acids will eat away the outer surface of the teeth, find their way into the inner parts, and create holes known as cavities. Cavities can cause tooth loss, affecting your kid's overall oral health.
For this reason, it's essential to identify tooth decay problems in kids and seek treatment early. Here are signs your little one has a tooth decay problem.
Sensitive Teeth
You shouldn't ignore the issue if your child constantly complains about having sensitive teeth. Often, they will complain about discomfort when they eat cold or hot foods or after eating candy and sweets. They may also feel pain when biting or chewing certain foods. Usually, weakening enamel may be the reason behind tooth sensitivity. It may be the case if plaque has eaten the top layer away and the tooth is decaying. Therefore, when your child complains about sensitive teeth, consider visiting a pediatric dentist.
Tooth Pain
When cavities worsen, they can cause constant tooth pain. In some severe cases, your kid may also develop a severe headache. Since toothaches aren't a common problem in kids, you should visit a dentist immediately. Your little one may be suffering from a deep cavity or have infected teeth that need to be treated immediately.
Teeth Holes
When you ask your child to open their mouth, do you see holes and pits in their teeth? This is a clear sign that they have cavities. Usually, cavities form holes in the teeth. And they are typically easy to notice, especially if they are present in the front teeth. Therefore, contact a dentist as soon as you notice this. Treatment will likely entail cleaning the area and installing fillings to protect the damaged tooth and ensure the infection doesn't spread to nearby teeth.
Tooth Discoloration
When teeth start decaying, you may notice white spots on the surface, which occur when the enamel weakens and starts losing minerals. These spots can darken over time to form black or dark-brown stains. Usually, the discoloration will depend on the severity of the decay. Nonetheless, they should be checked by a dentist immediately.
If you notice either of these signs, don't hesitate to bring your little one to the dentist. They will find the best solution for the tooth decay problem to restore your child's oral health. Reach out to local dentists to learn more.
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