How To Tell If Your Young Child Has A Cavity
Being the parent of a young child can be a lot to juggle sometimes, especially when you can't always understand what they are saying. Because young children aren't known for communicating their feelings very well (especially when they are sick) it can sometimes be hard to know what is going on with them. So, how can you tell if your young child has a cavity or if their tooth is causing them pain? This article will take a closer look and see. Read on to learn some more.
Irritability
When your child doesn't feel well, they are more likely to be really irritable. If your child is fussier than normal and they just aren't their normal selves, then this could be a sign that something is wrong with them. When their irritability is combined with the symptoms below, that's when you know that they have a cavity.
Black Dot on Their Tooth
A cavity is a hole in a tooth which can sometimes be visible with the naked eye. Typically, a hole on the tooth just looks like a black or a brown spot on it. Try brushing the spot off to make sure it's not food. If it doesn't come off, then it is probably a cavity.
Loss of Appetite
When anybody is in pain, the last thing they want to do is eat a lot. If you have noticed that your child's appetite has changed and they don't want to eat the same foods like they normally do, this could be a sign of a variety of issues including a cavity. Try asking your child if their tooth hurts by using simple language and then point to their tooth.
Chewing Funnily
When a child has a cavity or a problem with their tooth, they may chew funnily to try to avoid getting any contact with the infected tooth. For instance, if they have a cavity on the left side of their mouth, they may favor the right side. Take a look at your young child and see if they are chewing any differently.
Fever
An infected tooth can cause more than just pain — in fact, it can cause a fever. If you have noticed that your child seems to be irritable, they are avoiding food, and they have a fever then this may be a sign that they have a cavity or something else wrong with their tooth.
If you suspect that your child has a cavity take them to nearby pediatric dental care to get their tooth checked out.