Telltale Signs Your Child May Have Tooth Decay

Whether you are looking at your child’s baby teeth or permanent teeth have begun to erupt, daily care coupled with twice yearly visits with your kid’s dentist are the best ways to ensure the oral health of your child.

Dental decay can impact the teeth of people of all ages … toddlers, children, teens, young adults, and senior citizens. Some of the symptoms of tooth decay include:

• Discomfort – A cavity occurs when the dental enamel has been breached. If your child is complaining about pain, there could be reasons other than decay. But if decay is present, there are no home remedies that will make it go away.

• If your child has never been to the dentist, they may be very anxious. If you suspect they are going to be upset or fearful, it might be best to have someone who specializes in pediatric dentistry respond to their dental needs.

• Sensitivity – If a zinging sensation occurs when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or sour your child may have active decay. Pain or sensitivity might occur when biting down as well.

• Halitosis – If you smell a sour odor or your child complains of a bad taste, the problem could indicate infection is present. An infected tooth accompanied by pain probably will require a root canal – depending on which tooth is involved, your kid’s dentist will make recommendations about the ideal route to take.

• Tooth discoloration – If you notice one of your child’s teeth is darkened, the nerve of the tooth has probably been damaged. This could be due to trauma, or decay is also a possibility.
   

Prevention is always better than having to be reactive. Dental decay is preventable … some of the helpful ways include:
 

• Dental sealants – Teeth not affected by decay can be treated by painting the sealant on the chewing surfaces of molar teeth. The sealant flows into naturally occurring pits in dental enamel sealing out bacteria that promotes decay.

• Fluoride – Dental enamel is strengthened with this component already available in tooth paste, oral rinses, and in the water we drink. Fluoride treatments are also available by your child’s dentist.

• Brushing and flossing – A daily oral regimen should include brushing at least twice every day and daily flossing to remove what was missed by brushing.

• Dental visits – Cleaning and a dental exam should be completed every six months.
   

For more tips about your child’s dental health, contact our team at Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry today!

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