Cavity check-ups play a vital role in keeping your child’s smile healthy.
- Cavities can progress quickly in baby teeth, sometimes within months.
- If left untreated, decay can lead to pain, infection, or even early tooth loss.
- Preventive care is easier, less invasive, and far less expensive than emergency treatments.
Cavities don’t always cause pain right away, but there are several signs parents in Las Vegas should watch for that may indicate the start of tooth decay:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Visible white spots, brown spots, or holes forming on the teeth.
- Complaints of tooth pain, especially at night when your child is lying down.
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular brushing.
- Swelling or redness around the gums near a specific tooth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist as soon as possible to prevent the cavity from worsening.
Knowing when to bring your child to the dentist is just as important as recognizing the signs of a cavity. Pediatric dentists in Las Vegas recommend the following schedule to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy:
- First dental visit by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth eruption.
- Routine check-ups every six months to allow for early detection of cavities or other dental concerns.
- More frequent visits if your child has a history of cavities, consumes a high-sugar diet, or has other risk factors for tooth decay.
By following this timeline, parents can help prevent serious dental issues and make sure their child develops strong, healthy teeth from the very beginning.
A cavity check-up at a pediatric dentist in Las Vegas is designed to be thorough yet comfortable for children. Parents can expect the following steps:
- Dental exam to carefully check for early signs of tooth decay.
- X-rays if needed to spot hidden cavities between teeth that may not be visible to the eye.
- Fluoride treatment or sealants applied to strengthen and protect vulnerable teeth from future decay.
- Personalized guidance for parents on brushing, flossing, and diet to help prevent cavities at home.
Sometimes, children may need a cavity check-up sooner than their routine visit. Parents in Las Vegas should schedule an emergency dental appointment if:
- Tooth pain interferes with eating, sleeping, or school activities.
- Swelling or fever develops, which may indicate an infection.
- Immediate care is needed to prevent the infection from spreading or causing further complications.
Finding the right pediatric dentist can make cavity check-ups a positive experience for your child. Parents should:
- Look for a child-friendly environment where the staff is experienced in working with kids.
- Choose a pediatric dentist with specialized training in children’s oral health and behavior management.
- Consider a practice that offers sedation options to help anxious children feel comfortable during treatment.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Sandra Thompson, Pediatric Dentist at Desert Kids Dental. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from UC Berkeley, completed her DMD at UNLV, and advanced pediatric training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.