One of the most common problems for kids when it comes to their dental health is tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused when the outermost layers of a tooth are destroyed by bacteria. When bacteria from food sits on a tooth it breaks the tooth down through a process called demineralization. Once the outermost layers of the tooth are eroded, the bacteria can spread into the inside of the tooth eventually leading to infection. Cavities form when the tooth starts to decay. Unfortunately it can be difficult for kids and parents to notice them. Cavities can be hard to see and can develop without symptoms for months unnoticed. That is why it is recommended that kids see a dentist routinely for exams, cleanings, and X-rays to ensure that cavities aren’t forming without intervention. That said, it is important to understand how cavities form and what symptoms to look out for. If your child has any of the symptoms in this article, consider making a dental appointment before their next routine check-up to get their teeth looked at.
Yes, because cavities reshape a tooth, it is possible to see a cavity. That said it isn’t always possible because cavities often grow in places that are hard to see. When we brush our teeth we remove bacteria. But the areas that aren’t cleaned often become the areas where cavities develop. For example, cavities might form between two teeth if those teeth are not flossed regularly. Cavities can also form in harder to see areas like the back molars. Even if you don’t see a cavity it might still be there. That said, if you see a strange indent in your child’s teeth or even a hole, you should immediately schedule a dental visit so they can have it inspected by a dentist and filled if necessary. Cavities tend to have a light brown color at first that eventually shifts to a darker brown as they go on. If you or your child sees a spot like that on a tooth, you should make a dental appointment.
Cavities can also cause symptoms as they progress. If your child feels pain when they eat hot or cold foods, or they feel pain around specific teeth when they chew or bite down, that is often a sign of a dental issue. As cavities spread deeper into a tooth they expose roots inside the tooth. This can increase sensitivity to temperature as well as make it harder to chew without discomfort. If your child notices localized pain or sensitivity around specific teeth, you should make a dental appointment so that they can get their teeth looked at.
Earlier is always better when it comes to oral health. Every oral health issue gets worse over time. The longer a problem is ignored or not known about the faster it can spread. What starts as a small amount of bacteria like plaque that can be removed in a cleaning eventually becomes a dental cavity that requires a filling, and will eventually continue to become worse issues including tooth infection, root canal issues, or even tooth loss.
For patients in and around Chicago Illinois, our five dental offices provide great dental services. We pride ourselves on working with kids and teens to help promote healthier smiles. For more information about these services, please contact our team to set up an appointment.
