How to Tell if a Child Has a Cavity

Dental care is very important from the time the child's first teeth appear. However, some children have problems with cavities even with dedicated dental hygiene. A cavity is an area of decay in the tooth where bacteria is destroying the tooth. Cavities need to be treated quickly by a dentist to prevent major dental problems.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for abnormalities in the teeth. Any pocking or pitting is an indicator of a cavity. This is when the bacteria eats away, causing indentations in the teeth.

2. Watch for discoloration of the teeth. Cavities start out as white spots on the teeth. As time goes by, they become darker in color, turning to a shade of brown.

3. Analyze tooth history of both parents, as well as other risk factors. If either parent is prone to cavities, it is possible the child will be also. Eating or drinking lots of sugar is also a risk factor for cavities. Bottle mouth is a common phenomenon involving cavities in infants who go to sleep while drinking milk or juice, or nursing.

4. Listen to the child. If she says she has any pain in her teeth, make an appointment with the dentist for an evaluation. A painful tooth usually indicates a problem, usually a cavity.

5. Pay attention to the child while eating. Cavities can be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, so the child may avoid eating or drinking anything in these categories. Also, the child may avoid eating anything with the affected teeth because of pain.

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