Early Tooth Decay in Children: Signs, Symptoms & Prevention Tips

TL;DR:

Early tooth decay in children can begin sooner than most parents realize—but when caught early, it’s often manageable and sometimes even reversible. Knowing what early tooth decay looks like can help stop tooth decay progression before cavities form.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The first signs of a cavity (including tooth decay white spots on teeth)
• The most common causes of tooth decay in children
• Whether early tooth decay is reversible
• How to fix early tooth decay and prevent further damage

Tooth decay, especially in children, can turn into long-term oral health issues. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regards tooth decay in children as a widespread (though often ignored) epidemic. Consider the CDC’s sobering statistics regarding oral health problems and tooth decay in children:

• About 1 in 7 U.S. adolescents have at least one decayed tooth.
• Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. children (aged 5-11) show signs of early tooth decay.
• For families without a non-fluoridated water supply, tooth decay in children is twice as likely as families with fluoridated water.
• 52 percent of children (aged 6-8) have had tooth decay in their baby teeth.

There is plenty of bad news regarding tooth decay in children. The good news? If you know how to detect signs of tooth decay early on, your entire family will enjoy better oral (and superior) overall health! You may even be able to prevent further tooth decay progression.

The Super Dentists offers superior pediatric, orthodontics and parent dentistry services for your entire family. Regular visits will help prevent tooth decay in children.

What Is Tooth Decay in Children?

Tooth decay is the breaking down and destruction of tooth enamel, which is the hard outer surface of the tooth. If a child has tooth decay, it can lead to the early signs of cavities and cause holes to form in their teeth.

What Causes Tooth Decay in Children?

The presence of harmful bacteria is the most direct cause of tooth decay in children, but other things can contribute to its development. A child may develop tooth decay if their teeth are not properly cleaned after eating foods, carbohydrates, or foods that mostly contain starches or sugars. (Decay-causing bacteria feed on these substances).

Some examples of foods that contain an abundance of sugars or starches include soda, milk, raisins, fruit juices, cake, bread, and cereals. Bacteria that typically live in the mouth change these foods on the teeth, making them acidic. The combination of food, acid, bacteria, and saliva in the mouth creates plaque, which sticks to the teeth.

Over a period of time, the acid that formed within the child’s mouth eats away at their tooth enamel, causing cavities to form.

There are also other risk factors for tooth decay in children. These include but are not limited to conditions that cause dry mouth (mouth breathing, medical issues or meds, etc.), imbalance of the oral microbiome, and lack of certain nutrients such as vitamin D and vitamin K2 that are required for absorption of calcium.

What Does Early Tooth Decay Look Like?

What are the early signs of tooth decay? Tooth decay can begin in children as young as six months to one year of age, so it is important to know how to help identify tooth decay as soon as possible. If you’re interested in knowing how to prevent tooth decay, you have to know what to look for. These signs and symptoms of early tooth decay often include:

• Gums and teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods. Sensitivity can be an early sign of decaying teeth When cavities start to form, they’re undetectable to the naked eye – but not for the teeth and gum nerve endings. Cavities start as small pits in the teeth, and as the enamel wears down, the interior nerves are subject to and react to certain foods and beverages.
• Bleeding gums. Gum disease often accompanies tooth decay and is a sign of rotting teeth. Bleeding gums are common with tooth decay in children. See your pediatric dentist if your child’s gums bleed for any reason.
• Discolored teeth. Small brown or black spots are often the sign of cavities and an early sign of tooth rot. You may also notice a dull white band on the surface of the tooth, close to the gum line, which is usually an early sign of rotting teeth.
• Foul breath. Foul breath is one of the early signs of teeth rotting. When too much bacteria builds up in the mouth, bad breath soon follows. And not long after that, tooth decay as well. Think of bad breath as an early warning sign of tooth decay.
• Toothache. A toothache is one of the most classic signs of early tooth decay in children. If a child complains of a toothache for several days, it can likely be due to tooth decay. Toothaches can come on without a warning, or they can occur after eating or drinking.

Tooth Decay Progression: From Healthy Tooth to Cavity

Understanding tooth decay progression helps parents act fast. Here’s an overview of the steps that dentists usually observe along the course of tooth decay, from healthy teeth to advanced decay:

1. Healthy enamel
2. White spot lesions (early tooth decay)
3. Enamel breakdown
4. Dentin involvement
5. Advanced cavity with pain or infection

Catching decay at the white spot stage can make all the difference.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Want to prevent tooth decay in children? Follow these four simple guidelines:

• Brush at least twice per day. SuperMouth has the right toothbrush for every age with cool features such as augmented reality and music to make brushing enjoyable.
• Mind the diet. Excessive sugar consumption is the main culprit for tooth decay in children. Incorporate more veggies into your child’s diet. Sure, that’s easier said than done, but with creative & healthy recipes and snack ideas, anything is possible.
• Rinse after meals. This simple suggestion eliminates bacteria and plaque buildup.
• Floss on a regular basis. Have your child floss at least once every day. This habit is critical for lifelong dental health.
• Get enough hydroxyapatite and/or fluoride in your oral care products. Using a toothpaste and mouthwash with hydroxyapatite and/or fluoride regularly helps to toughen the enamel, making it difficult for acid to penetrate. Many toothpastes contain fluoride, and it is common for tap water to be fluoridated. Just make sure your child is able to spit the toothpaste out.
• Go for regular dental check-ups. Children should see their dentist every six months for a regular exam, as well as teeth cleanings. Regular dental check-ups not only help prevent tooth decay, but they can also help prevent gum disease.

How Is Tooth Decay Treated in a Child?

Tooth decay (particularly early tooth decay) can be treated in children, but treatment depends on your child’s tooth decay symptoms, general health, age, and severity of the tooth decay. Most of the time, treatment involves removing the decayed part of the child’s tooth and replacing it with a filling.

Fillings, also known as restorations, are materials that are placed into the child’s teeth to help repair any damage from tooth decay. There are different types of fillings that can be suitable for children:

• Direct Restorations. This type of filling requires one visit to the dentist to place a filling directly into the prepared dhole. Direct restorations can be made out of resin, silver, acrylic acids, or fine glass powders. Most of the time, they match the color of the child’s teeth.
• Indirect Restorations. This type of filling requires at least two visits to the dentist. These fillings include onlays, inlays, crowns, veneers, and bridges. Indirect restorations can be made of gold, ceramics, base metal alloys, or composites and often look like natural tooth enamel.

Visit The Super Dentists – We’ll Help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

If you detect early signs of tooth decay, schedule an appointment today at any of The Super Dentists six locations in San Diego. You can also call (855) GO SUPER or text us at (844) 765-1234. Thanks for visiting The Super Dentists, San Diego’s premier pediatric dentists!

FAQs

What does early tooth decay look like?

Early tooth decay often looks like dull white or chalky spots on the enamel. These spots signal mineral loss and are the earliest visible stage of tooth decay progression. Catching them early makes treatment much simpler.

Is early tooth decay reversible?

Yes, early tooth decay is often reversible if it’s caught at the white spot stage. At this point, the enamel is weakened but hasn’t formed a cavity. With improved brushing, fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste, diet changes, and professional dental care, the tooth can remineralize and strengthen.

How do I know if tooth decay is early?

Early tooth decay usually appears as chalky white spots on teeth, mild sensitivity, or slight discoloration near the gumline. These are often the first signs of a cavity forming. A dental exam can confirm whether the decay is still in its early stage.

How do I fix early tooth decay?

You can fix early tooth decay by brushing twice daily, flossing every day, limiting sugary snacks, and visiting your pediatric dentist regularly. Professional fluoride treatments or sealants may help stop tooth decay progression before a cavity develops. Using products that help with enamel remineralization such as fluoride or hydroxyapatite may also help.