Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, represents a common problem in childhood. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria break down or erode the outer layer or enamel of the tooth. Luckily, cavities caught early can be easily repaired. Knowing the signs can help parents act quickly and protect their child's oral health.
According to the United States CDC, cavities remain the most common chronic disease in children between ages six and eleven and teenagers. If children complain that their teeth hurt when drinking a hot soup or eating a popsicle, parents should suspect a cavity. Underneath the top enamel layer of the tooth lies a layer called dentin. According to the American Dental Association, dentin has small tunnels that lead directly to the tooth's nerve root. When the top layer of the tooth decays and exposes the dentin, hot or cold temperatures can directly impact the nerve, causing hypersensitivity.
"To understand why tooth decay may cause temperature sensitivity, it helps to consider tooth anatomy."
Tooth bacteria appear in thin films on the teeth called plaque. If plaque sits on the teeth surface for too long, it can begin degrading the enamel. If the decay progresses far enough, it can cause visible changes — appearing as a hole, chip, crack, or pit in the teeth. In most cases, patients need to replace their natural tooth with a crown or other tooth-replacement option, or the dentist may fill in the defect with a composite material.
"If plaque sits on the surface of the tooth for too long, it can begin degrading the enamel."
If a child complains of gum pain, this may be a sign of a cavity. Cavities can occur underneath the surface of the gum line when the protective layer of cementum decays. A cavity underneath the gum line can directly irritate the gum tissue and cause pain. Bleeding of the teeth can stem from a large cavity that has caused an infection of the underlying tissue of the tooth. Gingivitis and cavities can share a root cause, so it remains critical to have children evaluated by a dentist if complaining of bleeding.
"A cavity underneath the gum line can directly irritate the gum tissue and cause pain."
If a child has pain while chewing, this could be another sign of a cavity. Cavities represent a defect in the outer surface of the tooth. When a child chews food, small particles can enter the cavity and irritate the underlying tissues, causing pain. Large cavities can also cause an infection of the deeper tissues of the tooth so that chewing can be painful even without lodged food particles. Large cavities require immediate attention as they can advance to become root canals if they touch the roots of the teeth.
"When a child chews food, small particles can enter the cavity and irritate the underlying tissues, causing pain."
A color change of a tooth may signal a cavity. As the enamel of the tooth decays, it can become discolored with either dark spots or white spots. The color change can continue as the underlying structures of the tooth, such as dentin, become exposed. However, dark or white spots can also result from routine staining of the enamel, so it is important to have any tooth discoloration examined by a dentist.
"The color change can continue as the underlying structures of the tooth, such as dentin, become exposed."
What is the difference between a cavity and caries?
Dental caries and dental cavities are interchangeable terms that both indicate tooth decay. However, each patient may struggle with varying levels of cavities. Seeking immediate dental care and regular checkups can help to prevent a condition from causing further damage.
What will happen if a child does have a cavity?
If a dentist identifies a cavity in a child, the dentist will first do a diagnostic evaluation to assess the cavity size. Then a dentist will prepare the tooth and fill it or recommend a more in-depth procedure.
What will happen if a child does not get a cavity repaired?
A cavity not repaired can grow larger, eventually causing a large hole in the tooth. This hole may infect the deeper structures of the tooth, necessitating a more involved procedure called a root canal.
How can I help my child prevent cavities?
Begin wiping the gums of infants twice daily before the teeth even emerge. Continue this practice with a toothbrush after the teeth erupt. Encourage children over age two to brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Children should also begin flossing once the teeth touch and visit a dentist regularly.
Can cavities occur in baby teeth?
Yes, cavities occur when the enamel of the tooth decays. Baby teeth have the same enamel covering as adult teeth, so they remain susceptible to cavities.
Cementum
A thin layer of bony material that fixes teeth to the jaw.
Decay
When the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Filling
Involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Pulp
The innermost layer of the tooth with connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.
Dentin
A hard, dense, bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth underneath the enamel.
Enamel
The hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.
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