Kids Dental Health: How to spot early signs of decay & keep little smiles healthy

Tooth decay happens when sugar feeds the bacteria naturally present in our mouths. This process creates acid, which attacks tooth enamel - the hard, protective outer layer of teeth.

Over time, this acid weakens the teeth and creates holes, especially if sugary snacks or drinks are consumed frequently throughout the day.

What causes tooth decay?

Sugar is the main culprit behind kids dental health problems. However, it's not always obvious where sugar is hiding. Even drinks marketed as "healthy" options, like fruit juice, can be high in hidden sugars or acids that harm developing teeth.

Understanding this connection between sugar and decay is the first step in protecting your child's oral health.

Not sure which foods and drinks are best for your child’s teeth? Check out the Australian Dental Association’s “ADA” factsheets on food and drinks for children and sugary drinks to learn more.

Early warning signs of tooth decay

Recognising the early signs of decay can help prevent small problems from becoming bigger issues. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

• Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks - If your child suddenly starts avoiding certain foods or complains that sweet treats hurt their teeth, this could indicate early decay.
• Discomfort when chewing - Pain or sensitivity during meals, especially when biting down on harder foods, may signal that decay is affecting the tooth structure.
• Small spots or lines on the teeth - White spots, brown marks, or visible lines on teeth can be early signs of enamel breakdown.
• Food getting stuck between teeth - This can be an early sign of a cavity forming between two teeth and is often one of the first symptoms patients notice.
• Complaints of pain, especially at night - Discomfort that worsens when lying down may suggest that decay has reached deeper layers of the tooth.

One of the challenges with children’s tooth decay is that it can be difficult to detect early. In many cases, there are no obvious symptoms - no pain, no visible holes - which can make it surprising for parents when decay is diagnosed.

That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important. They allow dentists to detect problems early, often before a child feels any discomfort, helping to prevent more serious issues down the track.

Our top tips for healthy kids teeth

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (from 18 months+)
• Use floss as soon as teeth start touching
• Limit sugar to under 6 teaspoons (24g) a day
• Avoid sugary or acidic drinks - stick with water and whole fruit
• Book regular dental visits, starting from age 1 or when their first tooth appears

Let’s keep little smiles healthy

A lifetime of healthy teeth starts early. Our gentle team is well equipped for caring for kids oral health and can help set your family up with good habits for life.

Find out more about our approach to children’s dental care here. If your family is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), your child could access free dental services over two calendar years, fully covered by Medicare.