Does My Child Have a Cavity?

Learn the telltale signs that might mean that your little one is dealing with dental caries.

With the amount of sugar that kids get on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that there are more and more children dealing with cavities. But it cavitiesisn’t always easy to tell that your child has a cavity, which is why after the age of one, your child should be visiting their Waterbury, CT family dentist Dr. John R Gagne regularly to check for cavities and other issues.

Here are some of the most common signs that your child might have a cavity:

  • Pain while chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
  • Sensitivity to sugary foods
  • Dark spots on teeth

As you can see, there aren’t many symptoms that forewarn you that your child has cavities. So, what can you do to make sure that your child’s smile remains healthy and cavity-free? There are several things, but the number one way to protect your child’s teeth is to make sure they visit their Waterbury, CT dentist every six months for routine care. It’s through these routine checkups that we can examine their smile and detect problems as soon as possible before they cause more serious issues.

Other things you can do to reduce your child’s risk of cavities include:

  • Eliminating that sweet tooth: Avoiding sugar as much as possible will go a long way to improving your child’s health. Sugar wreaks havoc on teeth, no matter your age. By avoiding sugary drinks and foods and focusing on a healthy, balanced diet, you can reduce the likelihood of dental caries.
  • Getting fluoride treatment: While some community water may have enough fluoride in it to keep teeth healthy, that isn’t always the case. Check with our Waterbury general dentist to find out if fluoride treatment could help reduce your child’s chances of cavities. Fluoride is a great way to strengthen tooth enamel and assist in cavity prevention.
  • Considering dental sealants: Molars are more susceptible to decay than other teeth because there are so many nooks and crannies that it can be challenging for your child to really brush them as thoroughly. But this tooth-colored plastic can be applied painlessly over the chewing surfaces of a tooth to keep out plaque, bacteria, and food.

If your child is complaining of dental issues, or if you just need to schedule your little one’s next visit with us, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call our Waterbury, CT dental office. We will work with your family’s busy schedule to get an appointment that works for everyone.

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John R. Gagné

Dr. Gagné, a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of Laser Dentistry, is committed to providing his patients with comprehensive dental care.

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