How Can I Tell If My Child Has a Cavity?

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.