Do your kids complain about an achy tooth after eating dessert? Do they seem to have extreme tooth sensitivity?
You may be seeing signs of a cavity.
It’s critical not to ignore evidence that a cavity is developing. Left untreated, it could lead to a tooth fracture or nerve problem. It could also destroy the inside of your tooth, leading eventually to tooth removal.
Here’s what you should be looking out for.
1. Ultra-Sensitivity
You may notice your tots complaining when they bite into something cold, like ice cream. Or they may complain of a toothache while drinking hot chocolate. Your littles could also be wincing if they taste something extra-sweet, like a slice of birthday cake.
When tooth enamel begins to rub away, it could affect the dentin below it. Foods that are too hot, cold, or sweet can stimulate the nerves. As such, it is important to visit this cosmetic dentist in Tallahassee or a reputable one near you if you start noticing these symptoms.
2. Achy Teeth
Your kiddos may be experiencing a sore in their teeth even when they aren’t eating. This is one of the first signs of a cavity.
3. A Hole in the Tooth
As your cavity progresses, you may actually be able to see a hole in the tooth with the human eye. Your child may also feel it when they run their tongue over their teeth.
4. Discoloration
You may first notice stains on the tooth in the form of white spots. As time goes by, they could get darker and even become brown or black. Stains typically appear on the tooth’s surface.
Keep in mind that not all discoloration is an advanced cavity. It could just be a stain caused by something else. Yet it is critical to get it checked out by a dentist just in case.
5. Bad Breath
Cavities can tend to collect food particles and bacteria. Bad breath or a sour taste in our mouth could be the sign of a cavity.
It’s critical to treat cavities in kids, even if they aren’t in permanent teeth. Baby teeth help adult teeth to align properly, so losing them prematurely is not good for your child’s long-term dental health.
Braces for kids can also act as a trap for food. It’s critical for youngsters to brush and floss teeth properly even when wearing them.
Prevention of cavities is critical for keeping your child’s smile healthy and straight for years to come. You can help your child develop good habits now in order to avoid cavities and all the problems they bring with them.
Here’s where you can start.
1. Brush and Floss
It may seem obvious, but children should be brushing twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste in order to prevent cavities. Ideally, they should also brush after each meal to make sure particles and sugar aren’t sticking to their teeth.
Introduce kids to dental floss at a young age. It can quickly become a healthy part of their routine. If your kids are very averse to traditional floss, a water pick can help introduce them to cleaning between their teeth on a regular basis.
2. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash contains an antiseptic that kills harmful bacteria that may live between teeth or on the tongue even if children are brushing regularly. It can prevent the plaque that often causes cavities. Mouthwash can also keep breath fresh.
Exceptionally minty flavors may not be appealing to kids. Fortunately, lots of fluoride-containing mouthwash is available in fun flavors that are appealing to young brushers. These include orange, bubble gum, and strawberry.
3. Serve Less Sugar
It’s the germs in our mouths that eat sugar and produce acid. The acid itself is what actually eats away at our teeth and causes cavities.
You can help your child prevent cavities by serving less sugary food and drinks, such as cake, candy, and soda. In particular, avoid hard candies and lollipops, which sit directly on the teeth for an extended period of time.
4. Find Out About Sealants
Your dentist may recommend sealants for your child when they are between the ages of five and eleven.
These are thin, protective coatings that adhere to the chewing surface of the back teeth. They can help stop the early stages of tooth decay so your child will not develop full-blown cavities. Sealants prevent bits of food and bacteria from settling into teeth.
Children may begin getting sealants as soon as their first molars appear. Their application is painless, and they will last for several years.
5. Drink More Water
Make sure your kids get as much water as possible to prevent the formation of cavities. Keeping kids hydrated can help their systems get rid of waste and redistribute healthy nutrients. More water can also keep saliva from getting too sugary.
Water with added fluoride is even better for teeth. Fluoride can lower the solubility of tooth enamel in acid, thus preventing it from eroding. It can also reduce the ability of dental plaque to produce acid. Fluoride also promotes minerals forming in areas that have been affected by acids.
Fluoride can be found in your local drinking water, toothpaste, or mouthwash. It can keep kids’ mouths free from harmful acids and plaque.
Knowing the Signs of a Cavity
If you have kids, it’s critical to know the signs of a cavity so you can get your child’s teeth treated before bigger problems start. Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help you prevent cavities and keep your youngster’s mouth healthy for years to come.
For more information on a healthy lifestyle, read our blog today.
