Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases?
According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 4 in 10 (42%) Australian children aged 5 to 10 years have dental caries or cavities in their baby teeth and around 1 in 4 (27%) have untreated decay in at least one baby tooth.
These are some scary stats, right?
This is why it’s so important to recognize the early signs and stages of tooth decay in children.
Tooth decay begins as a small, usually painless, problem. This means it can be tricky to spot early on — especially in kids. And when left untreated, it not only becomes painful but can also lead to infection and even tooth loss in more severe cases.
In this article, we’ll explore the signs and stages of tooth decay in children so you can get a clear idea of what to look out for in your little one’s smile.
Signs of tooth decay
While children’s dental decay may be difficult to spot, there are a few signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for. The following symptoms can occur at any stage of tooth decay:
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Toothache — your child may not be able to tell you which tooth the pain is coming from but take note of when the pain occurs e.g. at mealtimes when eating/drinking hot or cold foods
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Sore, swollen and bleeding gums
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Bad breath
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Complaints of a bad taste in the mouth
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White, brown or black spots on the tooth
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A visible hole in the tooth
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Irritability or signs of distress when eating or brushing teeth
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Fever
Take your child to see your family doctor or GP if they have a temperature over 38°C and are experiencing any of these symptoms:
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Refusal to drink or eat
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Pain that doesn’t improve with OTC pain medication
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Vomiting
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Sudden drowsiness
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Breathing issues
If you’re concerned or notice any of the signs of tooth decay in your child’s teeth, book in with a children’s dentist ASAP. As a parent, it’s much better to take action early and get peace of mind that your child or toddler’s teeth are getting the care they need.
What are the stages of tooth decay in children?
Tooth decay does not discriminate — it can happen to any child, at any age. Over time, it gets progressively worse and causes various levels of damage.
Stage one: White spots
As plaque starts to build up on the tooth, small white spots begin to appear in a process called demineralization. This is the earliest stage of tooth decay, which can be reversed with proper treatment.
Stage two: Enamel decay
Teeth have three layers: enamel, dentine and pulp. While tooth enamel may be tough, it’s not indestructible. Prolonged exposure to bacteria can break down the tooth enamel and create small lesions. Treatment at this point is a dental fissure seal where a protective layer is applied to the surface of the tooth to prevent further decay.
Stage three: Dentine decay
Once the decay eats through the tooth enamel, it will start attacking the dentine. Your child may start complaining of pain at this stage of tooth decay. A dental filling must be used to prevent the decay from spreading further.
Stage four: Pulp deterioration
When the decay works through the soft dentine to reach the pulp (where the tooth’s nerve tissues and blood vessels are), the pulp will become damaged and eventually die. Your little one will likely have a very painful toothache at this point and the only treatment option is root canal therapy.
Stage five: Abscess formation
Once the decay reaches the root of the tooth, a painful and infected abscess will develop. This can cause the surrounding gums and tongue to swell, and the infection could spread to the jaw bone. This stage of tooth decay requires urgent treatment with either a root canal, tooth extraction, or other oral surgery.
Stage six: Tooth loss
If all earlier stages of tooth decay have been left untreated, tooth extraction is the only option. In severe cases, a dental surgeon in Rockford may be required to perform the procedure, ensuring minimal discomfort and proper healing. Seeking professional care at this stage is crucial to prevent further complications and maintain your child's overall oral health.
What to do if you think your child is suffering from tooth decay
If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth, book in to see your dentist immediately. Regular dental check-ups are the best way to catch any decay before it turns into nasty cavities. When caught early, tooth decay can be treated effectively with a combination of dental treatments and at-home dental care.
Remember, regular dental check-ups every six months are recommended for both adults and children — even if your child only has baby teeth. Starting your children with a routine of visiting the dentist from a young age will not only help to prevent tooth decay and other issues, but it will set them up with great oral health habits for life.
