Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity Between Their Teeth

1. Persistent or Sharp Toothache while Chewing

If your child complains about a constant toothache or sharp pain when chewing or biting down, it could be a sign of a cavity between their teeth. This pain happens when food gets stuck in the cavity and irritates the sensitive parts of the tooth. As the cavity grows, it can affect the nerves inside the tooth, causing pain even when your child isn’t eating. If this pain is ignored, it can get worse and may even spread to the jaw. Seeing a dentist quickly can help stop further damage or infection.

2. Increased Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods and Drinks

If your child feels discomfort or flinches when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet, it might be an early sign of tooth decay. This happens when the outer protective layer of the tooth, called enamel, starts to wear down, exposing the more sensitive inner layer called dentin. Your child might pull away or react suddenly while eating certain foods, which means the tooth is starting to weaken. Even mild sensitivity is worth checking with the dentist to stop the decay early and keep the tooth healthy.

3. Visible Holes, Pits, or Dark Spots Between Teeth

If you notice small holes, pits, or dark spots between your child’s teeth, these are signs of a cavity that has gone past the early stages. These spots show where the enamel has broken down and decay has set in. Dark brown or black areas may mean the damage has reached deeper parts of the tooth. Sometimes, these signs are hard to see without dental tools, so regular dental checkups are important to find and treat cavities before they become painful or infected.

4. White Spots Indicating Early Enamel Breakdown

White spots on your child’s teeth can be the first visible sign of enamel starting to break down. These dull, chalky areas show that bacteria have started damaging the enamel and weakening the tooth. These spots might not hurt, but they mean a cavity is starting to form. If found early, fluoride treatments and better brushing habits can stop or even reverse the damage before it gets worse.

5. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

If your child has constant bad breath or a strange taste in their mouth that doesn’t go away even after brushing, it could mean there’s a hidden cavity. Bacteria living in the decayed parts of a tooth can produce smells and bad-tasting substances that linger. This symptom usually comes along with other signs of decay, which means a trip to the dentist is needed to clean the tooth and stop the bacteria.

6. Bleeding or Swollen Gums Between Teeth

If your child’s gums bleed or swell near the spaces between their teeth, it could be a sign of a cavity or plaque buildup in that area. Decay between teeth can irritate the nearby gums, making them red, sore, or puffy. If brushing or flossing causes bleeding, it may mean the tooth and gums are both being affected. A dentist should check this right away to protect both the teeth and gum health.

7. Floss Getting Stuck or Tearing in Certain Areas

If floss keeps getting stuck or breaks when you try to clean between your child’s teeth, it may be due to a cavity. Decay can create rough spots or holes in the tooth where the floss catches or tears. This small but important sign means the tooth surface may be damaged, and it’s time for a dental checkup to catch any problems before they get worse.