How to spot children’s tooth decay

Unfortunately, children’s tooth decay is quite common. For this reason, it’s extremely important to know the signs of tooth decay and to schedule regular dentist appointments for your child.

Below, Dr Davina Graham from Callan Dental has outlined the signs of children’s tooth decay and how to prevent cavities from forming.

Toothache

A toothache is an obvious sign that something may be wrong in your mouth. This is no different when it comes to children’s tooth decay. Pain is one of the most common complaints when it comes to cavities, so if your child is suffering from toothache, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity occurs when the enamel of the tooth wears down and is weakened. This leaves the tooth nerve exposed to the elements such as hot or cold food and drink, as well as sugary foods and drinks. If your child is complaining of tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking, it is important to book an appointment with your dentist as this may be a sign of tooth decay.

White spots

White spots on your child’s tooth can be a sign of weakening enamel and may indicate children’s tooth decay. Formation of a white spot on the tooth begins at the surface and works its way deeper as the decay progresses. The white spot can get darker in colour as the decay progresses, so it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as you notice a white spot to avoid allowing the decay to progress.

Holes in your child’s tooth

A hole or pit in your child’s tooth is usually the most obvious sign of children’s tooth decay. However, these cannot always be visible. Holes or pits in your child’s teeth can occur between teeth or at the back of the mouth where it is difficult for you to spot. Your child will often complain of pain or sensitivity in the area where a hole or pit is present before you even spot it.

So, how do you prevent cavities from forming in the first place?

Brush twice daily

Just like adults, children should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. Toothbrushing should begin as soon as the first baby tooth appears in the mouth. This is likely to begin at around 6 months, however it can vary from child to child. Babies and toddlers are too young to brush their teeth by themselves, so you should brush their teeth for them at the same time each day (morning and night) to encourage a good dental routine.

Encourage a tooth friendly diet

We all know that sugary food and drinks can lead to children’s tooth decay. It’s not only important to consume these foods and drinks in moderation, but it’s also important to be conscious of when and how they are consumed. For example, treats should be limited to after meal time only. This is because saliva production is at its highest after meals, and so sugar can be washed away from the mouth. Avoid grazing on sugary snacks throughout the day, as this allows sugar to linger in the mouth for longer which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, especially after sugary snacks, as this helps wash away the sugar from the surface of the teeth.

Visit the dentist

Ideally, a dental visit should be made for your child by the age of 1. Essentially, you should be bringing your child to the dentist for check-ups from when their first tooth erupts. Getting them used to the dentist from an early age is important to encourage good dental hygiene and habits. Before you plan your child’s first dental visit, consider reading them books or singing songs about the dentist to get them ready for the experience.

Book your child an appointment at your local Dental Care Ireland practice.