Watch Out for These Signs That Your Child May Have a Cavity
As an adult, you may be so used to knowing what a cavity feels like that you assume your child does as well. This is simply not the case. Cavities are one of the most common dental issues in the world and they are even more common for kids. Why? Because kids often eat and drink more sugar than adults too. Parents also sometimes believe that their child’s teeth do not need to be taken care of the same way as adults since they are not permanent.
This is simply not true – the way a baby tooth develops can affect a child’s dental health for the rest of their life. If you have reason to believe that your child has a cavity then we urge you to contact a family dentist as soon as possible. If you are not sure if you should be worried, read on to learn more about some of the most common symptoms of cavities in children.
Does your child have bad breath?
Every child will have bad breath once in a while, but if you notice that your child seems to always have bad breath then there may be something bad going on. Halitosis is the official name of bad breath and, again, we are not discussing what happens if they eat something stinky and their breath then stinks. To find out what type of bad breath it is, have them brush their teeth for two minutes. If the bad breath remains, then there is likely an issue.
The fact of the matter is that bad breath in this case is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that is in need of cleaning. This could be due to rotting food or bacteria in a cavity. Even if it is something else, bad breath is always a sign that you should talk to your dentist.
Food getting stuck more than it should
Some foods stick in a child’s tooth, such as chewy candy or caramel. However, if your child has been complaining that they are getting food stuck in their teeth more often than they should, then they could have a cavity. This is not a definitive sign, such baby teeth in particular tend to have gaps, when it is present with other symptoms then it could be a sign that there is a cavity.
Your child’s teeth have suddenly become sensitive to hot or cold
It is not common for a child to tuck into a bowl of ice cream and not be able to eat it because it is so cold. If they are enjoying a cup of their favorite soup and say that it hurts to eat it, then this could also be a sign of cavity.
If your notice any sudden change in your child’s dental health or their feelings about eating, then it may be that they have a cavity. The good news is that there are several types of filings that can fix the problem right up. Contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment.
