How Do I Know If My Child Has a Cavity?

We cite these statistics often, but they bear repeating. Cavities are the most common chronic childhood illness. By age 8, roughly half of kids have had a cavity. 

Since this issue is so common, most parents want to know how to watch for it. We can help. 

As an expert in finding and correcting cavities in children, Irene Zaki, DDS, has some tips. First and foremost, regularly visit us here at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California. 

Dr. Zaki recommends how frequently you should schedule appointments based on your child’s age and unique oral health issues. Sticking with that schedule means she can check your child for cavities on a regular basis, catching tooth decay before it becomes too painful.

Between appointments, you can — and should — also be on the lookout at home. We have two ways you can watch out for cavities in your child. Look for:

Visible signs

If your child is too young to communicate clearly, you should still be helping them brush their teeth. 

Before you start brushing, have them open their mouth wide. Look for spots on their teeth. Cavities usually look like dots. They often begin white, then gradually get darker, eventually turning black. Over time, the dot might turn into a visible hole.

If you look at your child’s teeth and think there might be a problem, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Zaki. She can determine if it’s a cavity or something else.

Their reactions

A cavity becomes painful given enough time. Watch how your child responds to certain foods and drinks.

Kids with cavities might avoid hot or cold foods and drinks or startle at the discomfort when consuming them. Hard, sugary, and sticky foods might also cause a reaction. 

If your child’s relationship with a particular food or drink changes, try to learn why. Did their taste just change, or are they avoiding it because it worsens their tooth pain?

Treating childhood cavities

If you suspect your child has a cavity, visit us. Dr. Zaki makes addressing your child's teeth as easy and comfortable as possible. If they have a cavity, they can even watch a movie while Dr. Zaki places their filling. 

If your child is nervous about trips to the dentist, we offer sedation dentistry to help them relax. And we can even explore preventive measures like sealants to help them avoid cavities in the future. 

The big takeaway: Be on the lookout for cavities in your child’s teeth. If you notice any visible signs on their teeth or reactivity to certain foods and drinks, don’t hesitate to call us at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry or book your visit online. We can determine if your child has a cavity and, if so, treat it in a way that’s as comfortable as possible for them.