How Can I Tell If My Child Has a Cavity?

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Cavities are no fun. If your child has a cavity, it’s important to take them to the dentist as soon as possible for a checkup and treatment. Knowing when your child has a cavity can help you take care of their oral health. The dentist in Medina, OH, can determine when your child needs a cavity filling, but you’ll have to know when to bring your child for an exam. Recognizing the signs of a cavity can make this possible. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a spot of tooth decay that has created a hole in the tooth enamel. Cavities are typically caused by a combination of sugar consumption, bacteria, and poor oral hygiene. Kids are especially vulnerable to cavities because they often struggle to take good care of their oral health. They also eat a lot of sugar.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity?

Typical symptoms of a cavity include:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pain in the tooth
  • Discoloration on the tooth
  • Hole in the tooth
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has a Cavity?

Kids don’t always know to tell their parents when they’re uncomfortable, and young kids may not even know how to express their discomfort or identify what hurts. As a parent, you’ll need to watch your child for potential signs of a cavity.

If their breath smells bad, even if they’ve brushed their teeth, this could be a sign of a dental infection, cavity, or gum disease. If your child is favoring one side of their mouth, avoiding eating, or complaining that something in their mouth hurts, this could also mean they have a cavity. You may be able to see the cavity if you look in their mouth. Either way, check with the dentist to see if you should make an appointment.

Contact Us for Pediatric Dentistry in Medina, OH

The best way to help your child get treated for their cavity is to make an appointment for pediatric dentistry in Medina, OH. Call today.

A Parent’s Guide to Cavities

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If you have a little one, you probably have questions about cavities. Cavities are a problem that many children experience at one time or another. The dentist in Medina, OH, can help your child avoid cavities, but as a parent, you can help them too. Below are some of the things you should know about cavities and how they affect children.

What Causes Cavities?

A cavity is a hole in your child’s tooth enamel. Cavities are formed by a combination of poor oral hygiene habits, a sugary diet, and bacteria in the mouth. Many children get cavities because they don’t know how to take care of their teeth. Children are also at risk of cavities because they eat sugary foods.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Cavities?

Some cavities are not obvious at all, so you may not know when your child has a cavity. Here are some signs that your child might have a cavity:

Your child is experiencing pain or discomfort in their teeth.
Your child’s teeth are extra sensitive.
You can see a hole or discoloration on your child’s tooth.
Your child has bad breath even though their teeth have been brushed.
If you think your child might have a cavity, contact your child’s dentist as soon as possible.

How Can I Help Protect My Child From Cavities?

Many kids have their teeth brushed by their parents until they turn 7 or 8 years old. Once your child is old enough to brush their own teeth, you can still help them take care of their teeth by ensuring that your child brushes their teeth at night and in the morning. Take your child to the dentist every six months.

If My Child Has A Cavity, What Are Their Options?

If your child has a cavity, they need a filling. Dental fillings can be made from different materials. Amalgam fillings are made of metal, while composite fillings are made from composite resin.

Is A Cavity A Dental Emergency?

A cavity is a serious problem that needs fast treatment. Without help from a dentist, your child could develop a tooth infection. Does your child need a cavity filling in Medina, OH? Call today to make an appointment.