At Boerne Pediatric Dentistry, we're proud to help kids throughout the Boerne and Fair Oaks, TX areas develop beautiful, healthy smiles – and much of the work we do centers on preventing and treating cavities. Cavities, also called dental decay, are one of the most common preventable conditions in children, second only to the common cold. And if you're a parent, that may have you wondering: does my child have a cavity? And if so, how can I tell?
How to Tell If Your
Child Has a Cavity
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure if your child has a cavity is to bring them in for an examination with your Boerne pediatric dentist. Dr. Frere can perform a comprehensive dental exam on your child and take x-rays of their teeth, helping to spot cavities that are almost impossible to see without a trained eye and confirm whether or not your child has a cavity.
That said, there are some important signs of cavities that you can watch out for. Often, the first sign isn't visual at all. One of the earliest warnings of a cavity comes in the form of a toothache. While toothaches don't always mean your child has a cavity, if your child complains of a toothache that lasts for more than a day or two, it's definite cause for concern.
In addition to toothaches, occasionally checking your child's teeth for spots that look discolored, dirty, or otherwise decayed is a great practice for preventing cavities. If possible, make this an activity you do with your child instead of for your child – teach them to examine their teeth and look for cavities on their own. Not only will this help to spot cavities in the short term, but it will help instill good oral hygiene habits for the rest of your child's life.
Contact Your
Fair Oaks Pediatric Dentist
Keeping an eye out for prolonged toothaches and occasionally examining your child's teeth are both important steps for spotting cavities, but the best way to prevent cavities in the long term is to maintain regular dental exams and cleanings with your Boerne pediatric dentist. If you're ready to schedule the next check-up for your child, we'd love to help. Request an appointment today using our easy online form. We'll thoroughly examine your child's teeth for cavities, clean any plaque deposits that may cause them, and provide helpful oral hygiene tips to help you and your child prevent cavities far into the future!