One of the more prevalent health issues in children is tooth decay, and it does not show typical signs until it has progressed.
Parents will be an important partner in recognising and communicating dental discomfort in young children, as they may sometimes be unable to do both.
If you're able to identify the early signs of tooth decay, a dental filling for kids can be performed at an earlier stage, potentially preventing the need for further treatments.
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Why Do Children Need Dental Fillings?
Anytime that a tooth becomes damaged through decay, it is fixed by filling cavities in baby teeth.
Baby teeth may require dental fillings for several good reasons:
- Assisting children to chew food well.
- Facilitating children to communicate confidently and effectively.
- To keep primary teeth in place
- The correct positioning of adult teeth
The treatment of cavities in baby teeth also helps to maintain these functions and helps to minimise the risk of other dental complications occurring.
What Are the 5 Early Signs Your Child May Need a Dental Filling?
1. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the earliest signs of cavities in kids. Your child might say foods or drinks don't feel right in his or her mouth, particularly if the food or drink is:
- Cold
- Hot
- Sweet
- Sour
Even minor sensitivity can be a sign of decay in the hard outer coating of the tooth and that it is reaching the interior of the tooth.
2. A White, Brown, or Black Discolored Tooth
Healthy teeth usually look smooth and uniform in color. If there are discolorations, it might mean that they are decayed.
Common changes include:
- Chalky white spots, a sign of early enamel damage.
- Light brown areas
- Dark brown or black spots, which could be more advanced decay
However, not all stains are cavity areas, as any new discoloration should be checked by the dentist.
3. Pain or Discomfort in the Teeth
Our approach towards dental pain is different; the kids do not tell about the pain, but rather:
- Don't chew on one side
- Refuse certain foods
- Roughly rub their jaw or cheek
- Get more easily upset while eating
Despite low-to-moderate pain, it may indicate that decay has gone past the early stages and needs some intervention.
4. Tooth has Missing Areas
As cavities in children progress, they can form small holes or irregular surfaces that can be noticed upon close inspection of your child's teeth.
Parents may notice:
- Small pits on the biting parts.
- Small dark holes
- Any regions that don't seem smooth.
Most of these changes are visible and are usually signs of decay in its early stages and thus are best examined promptly.
5. Foods Tend to Get Stuck
If your child constantly complains that food keeps getting trapped at one point, it may be a sign that the cavities have created an uneven surface.
This ongoing food trapping can:
- Infect the soil with more disease-causing bacteria
- Make brushing less effective
- Increase the rate of tooth decay
If food is caught on the same tooth over and over again, it may be good to have a dental exam.
When Should Parents Take Their Child to the Dentist for a Possible Cavity?
Early check-ups allow dental professionals the chance to see any problems before they become larger and more expensive, as well as more difficult to fix.
Your child will require a visit to the dentist if they show any of the following symptoms/conditions:
- Chronic tooth sensitivity
- Pain in left upper teeth towards cheek for longer than usual period (1-2 days)
- Visible spots or color changes
- Visible openings or pieces of a broken-down tooth
- Swelling in the gums.
- Foul breath that does not go away despite brushing.
The dentist, including those at Smiles + Grins, can usually detect any presence of decay before any pain is felt on examination.
How Can Parents Help Prevent the Need for Dental Fillings?
52 percent of children aged 6 to 8 years old develop cavities in their primary teeth. Cavities can not always be prevented; however, one way to avoid dental fillings among children is through proper behavior.
- Encourage Proper Brushing
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
- Have your teeth checked routinely
- Educate on Healthy Behaviors
- Consider Protective Treatments
Establishing a healthy dental habit in early childhood helps to develop a better dental habit throughout life.
Conclusion
It is rare for cavities in children to develop suddenly. Cavities progress slowly, so there is time for parents to identify early signs and symptoms before they get bad.
Any of the following may be a cause for concern, like tooth sensitivity, discoloration, ongoing pain, holes in the teeth, or food stuck in the teeth repeatedly.
Along with other tips like regular clean-up visits, healthy eating, and brushing and flossing regularly, early action is one of the best ways to help maintain your child's smile for years to come.
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