Catching cavities early is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s oral health. But sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if a tooth is hurting. It makes sense, after all, as kids don’t sit around complaining about what hurts. The good news is there are established symptoms you can watch out for that will make it easier to spot a cavity in your child’s mouth.
They Complain of Tooth Pain
This should be a no-brainer and something you’ve probably noticed before. If your child starts to complain about a tooth hurting, it might be a sign of a cavity. An excellent way to reduce the pain of a cavity is by stopping it from getting worse. Early detection and treatment can lead to fewer problems down the road and make life a lot easier for both you and your child.
They Complain of Gum Pain
Teeth and gums aren’t completely separate entities. A painful cavity can sometimes migrate to the gum tissue and cause discomfort in the mouth. If your child complains about a tooth hurting and also complains about gum pain, it might be a sign that there is a cavity at the root of the tooth.
They Have Spots on their Teeth
Looking at the surface of your child’s teeth can help diagnose a cavity. Are there any spots, especially dark spots, on the surface of their teeth? Dark spots could indicate a cavity or a problem with your child’s enamel and should be looked into.
They Experience Pain While Chewing
A sign of a cavity is when your child experiences pain while chewing. If they have trouble eating and show signs of pain when chewing, there’s a good chance they have an exposed cavity. A cavity that goes untreated can increase the pain in the tooth and cause pain in different areas of the mouth.
They Complain of Tooth Sensitivity
Another sign of a cavity that is hard to miss is tooth sensitivity. If your child complains of teeth feeling cold or teeth that hurt when they drink cold water, it’s time to get them in for a cavity check-up. This feeling is often a sign of exposed dentin, leading to a cavity if left untreated.
They Have Holes in Their Teeth
If your child has tiny holes in their teeth or has teeth that have been lost, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. These holes can be caused by untreated cavities, infections, and trauma. If you think their holes are caused by the latter, you should bring them in for an exam.
Keep Your Child’s Oral Health in Check
It can be difficult to know if your child has a cavity or not. The symptoms above are a good baseline, but there isn’t a single symptom associated with a cavity. You always have to use your best judgment when it comes to your child’s oral health. If you suspect they have a cavity, it is best to get a professional opinion. If you’re worried your child might have a cavity in the future, be sure to set a regular routine for them. This can help identify cavities in the early stages of development.
Bring your child to a children’s dentist in Brisbane and Logan. Enamel Studios offers kids dental services, including preventing and treating cavities. Book an appointment today!