4 Signs Your Toddler Has Tooth Decay

Early tooth decay in young children isn't always painful. Sometimes, a toddler will simply have some mild discomfort or intermittent sensitivity that isn't always obvious to their parents. Plus, younger children don't always have the understanding or words to tell their parents that a tooth hurts.

However, parents can look out for signs of these dental problems. How can you tell if your child might have tooth decay? 

1. Look for Changes on the Surface of the Teeth

Decay changes the color of teeth, even at an early stage. For example, early decay can show as white spots on a tooth. As the decay develops, these spots can turn brown and even black. In some cases, decay makes tiny holes in a tooth that will grow bigger if left untreated. These holes may or may not have some discoloration in or around them.

So, look at your child's teeth. If you see spots of discoloration on a tooth, then it might have some decay on it. Any holes, no matter how small, can also be a sign of a problem.

2. Smell Your Child's Breath

Your toddler's breath might not always smell pleasant; however, it shouldn't smell consistently bad. If your child has bad breath that never seems to disappear, then they could have some decay on a tooth. The smell of decay is persistent; it will return even after you brush your child's teeth.

Try to take a sniff of your child's breath. If it doesn't smell naturally sweet, then test it out over the next couple of days. Check to see if their breath smells better after you clean their teeth but then smells bad again for no obvious reason after a couple of hours.

3. Watch How Your Child Eats

A young child might not be bothered by tooth decay until they eat. The chewing process and contact with some foods can make a tooth painful. Watch your child as they eat. If they avoid eating on one side of their mouth or won't eat their favorite harder foods or ice cream, then they might have a decay problem.

4. See How They React When You Brush Their Teeth

Decay can make a tooth hurt during toothbrushing. Water and toothpaste might make a tooth twinge and ache. Watch your child's face when you clean their teeth. If they wince when you brush a certain area or don't want you to use the brush in that place, then they might have a decay problem.

If you have any concerns, then schedule an appointment with your child's dentist.