According to the CDC, cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease, five times more so than asthma. Studies show that approximately 46% of children have had one.
It’s more common by adulthood to have had one than not to. They’re highly prevalent but often misunderstood.
Read on to learn the answers to your questions, such as what color are cavities and what can I do about them?
What Color Are Cavities?
Not everyone’s teeth are the same color. The materials within aren’t the same, either.
The color of cavities also changes as decay deepens. It starts white and then continues to darken.
Chalky White
Chalky white spots occur in the earliest stages of tooth decay.
Food left behind on your teeth also leaves behind bacteria. It combines with saliva, acid, and plaque and eats away at your enamel during demineralization.
White spots are one of the first signs of this process. They get the color from an increase in calcium.
Yellow, Grey, or Light Brown
When decay worsens, a cavity may turn yellow, grey, or dark brown.
The enamel has broken down enough to expose the dentin underneath. Everyone’s dentin is different, so the color isn’t always the same.
Dark Brown or Black
Dark cavities show significant decay. It’s become deep enough to compromise the structure of the tooth.
You’ll also likely notice holes or pits in the tooth at this point.
Cavities vs. Stains
Stains from foods or drinks can also change the color of your teeth but don’t indicate any decay.
Cavities tend to be darker than stains. Most affect one tooth, while stains can affect many.
A dentist in Shepherdsville, KY, can treat cavities and reverse stains with whitening treatments.
Why Color Matters
Why should you answer questions like, “What color are cavities?” It can help improve your child’s oral health.
Checking the color of their teeth helps you see how far along a cavity has progressed. You’ll know how serious it is and how much of the tooth structure is affected.
It also lets you know what treatment you need and get it quickly. The earliest chalky white cavities can even be reversed with proper oral hygiene. The earlier you treat the darker ones, the less likely they are to become abscesses. You’ll also prevent a widespread bloodstream infection known as sepsis.
Other Cavity Symptoms
Not all symptoms of cavities are visual.
The cavity may cause pain in or around the tooth, especially if it’s progressed to the later stages. It may also create sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks.
A cavity that’s close to the gums can make them bleed or cause gum disease. Cavities can even cause bad breath.
These symptoms indicate that you should immediately see a local dentist in Mt. Washington, KY.
Cavity Prevention Strategies
Cavities are one of the most preventable diseases of all time, even for children.
Get them started on a proper diet and oral care routine. Search for a “kids dentist near me” and set up preventative appointments.
Start Oral Care Early
Oral hygiene for children begins when their first tooth comes in. Start brushing it gently every day. Teach them how to do it when they’re old enough.
In a C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital poll, only 20% of parents said their children perform four to six basic oral care processes daily. These included:
- Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes
- Flossing
- Cleaning their tongue
- Rinsing after eating sugary foods or drinks
Approximately 36% noticed their children had oral health issues because of this lack of care. The most commonly reported problem was cavities at 29%.
There are ways to make it more fun for your child. Try incorporating songs or reading children’s books about oral care. Give them rewards for following through.
Watch Their Diet
Another cavity prevention strategy your child might not appreciate is keeping track of what they eat and drink.
Limit anything sticky or sugary. Have them drink plenty of water to wash their mouth out. Don’t send them to bed with a bottle of juice or milk because the sugar will stay on their teeth all night.
Visit the Dentist
Find a pediatric dentist six months after they get their first tooth. After that, it’s important to go at least twice a year.
They can check for cavities in difficult-to-spot areas with an exam and X-rays. They’ll perform professional cleanings that remove plaque and bacteria.
They can also give you dental health tips. They’ll tell you how to prevent cavities from forming. They’ll also advise you on how your child’s oral care needs change as they age.
Cavity Treatments
The best dentist for kids will prefer more conservative treatments for cavities. A thorough cleaning may be all that’s needed. Fluoride treatments can also initiate demineralization to repair damaged enamel.
Deeper cases of tooth decay require a filling. A dentist in Mt. Washington, KY, will remove the decayed portion and replace it. They’ll use materials such as:
- Composite resin
- Silver
- Gold
Serious cavities require more extensive treatment. A root canal is the only way to remove damaged nerves and pulp. You may need to have an endodontist work with your kid’s dentist.
A fully decayed tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant or other replacement option. A Shepherdsville dentist may also recommend it for a baby tooth. They are important to keep, but not if they’re decayed. It’s better to stop the infection at the source.
Keeping an eye on condition and color is essential for kids’ dental care if you want them to keep all their teeth as adults.
Find the Best Kids Dentist Near Me
What color are cavities? It’s not as simple a question as it first appears. They change in color as decay worsens, going from white to gray or yellow to brown or black. Knowing about the progression can help you get your child care before a cavity costs them their tooth or creates even more serious issues.
Kentuckiana Pediatric Dentistry offers compassionate care to children, teens, and those with special needs. We provide one-on-one attention.
Our team focuses on preventing issues like cavities but restoring oral health when they do happen. We also offer kids sedation dentistry to keep everyone comfortable. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
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