How Can I Tell If My Child Has a Cavity?

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Are you concerned that your child might have a cavity? If so, then it’s important to work with the dentist in St. Cloud, MN to get your child a filling as soon as possible. Knowing the signs of a cavity is important, so you can identify when there’s a problem. Here’s what you need to know to help protect your child’s dental hygiene.

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?

The only way to be certain that your child has a cavity is by taking your child for a checkup at the dentist. The signs below are an indication that your child may have a cavity.

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Toothache that occurs for no obvious reason or when chewing
  • Black or brown spots on the tooth
  • Holes in the tooth

If your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, they may have a cavity. It’s time to see the dentist.

What Are Composite Fillings?

Composite fillings are fillings that are made from a tooth-colored composite resin. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which are silver colored, composite fillings are designed to look like the tooth. They’re made from a safe, durable material that won’t affect your smile the way amalgam fillings do. At Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer composite fillings to our patients: ask us about them when you make the appointment.

How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting a Cavity In the Future?

You can help your child avoid getting a cavity by taking steps to help them maintain good oral hygiene. For example:

  • Brush your child’s teeth for them until they turn about 7 or 8 years old
  • Make regular dental appointments to ensure your child is seeing the dentist as often as recommended
  • Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks instead of sugary foods and drinks
  • Set a good example for your child by taking good care of your own oral hygiene

Is your child in need of fillings in St. Cloud, MN? The professionals at Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help. Make an appointment today to learn more about our services.

 

Can a Child’s Toothache Manifest as an Earache?  

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Healthcare has a number of branches and specialties, which can sometimes cause us to forget about the amount of overlap between professionals. For instance, an ear, nose, and throat doctor will know many of the same things as a dentist.

In fact, your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, may need to know even more than a doctor, so they can be sure they are directing the patient to the best possible treatment. At times, your dentist might be even better at diagnosing certain conditions and pains. We’ll look at how earaches and toothaches are related and why it’s important to pay attention to your child’s symptoms.

Cavity: A Tricky Kind of Pain

Pain from a cavity doesn’t always mean that a child will feel pain in their mouth. It may seem as though the ear is either infected or suffering from a buildup of wax, but the reality is the pain is extending to the ear, which is why it seems as though that’s where the problem is originating.

It’s more common to see this kind of pain confusion for older kids and adults because molars or infected teeth are more likely to present as ear pain. However, cavities and abscesses can occur at any age, so it’s important to keep an eye out for additional symptoms besides ear pain.

Seeing a Dentist in St. Cloud, MN

Because our systems are so interconnected, parents should hold back from jumping to conclusions. Particularly if the child has no history of earaches, it may not be worth holding off on treatment in the hopes that the infection will clear itself up. If there’s a serious dental problem, it’s imperative to get help as soon as you can. Thankfully, there are usually other symptoms that occur when the child has a toothache and not an earache.

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms along with ear pain, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist:

  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Sensitivity to hot/cold
  • Jaw pain
  • Loose teeth

Whether your child needs an extraction or a filling in St. Cloud, MN, Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has a staff that is here for you and your family. If you need a dentist in St. Cloud, MN, contact us today.