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Home › Tooth Decay in Children - What You Need to Know

Tooth Decay in Children - What You Need to Know
Posted on 8/1/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty
Two giddy children sitting in the dentist chair and smiling with one playfully wearing protective orange glasses.As a parent, you want nothing more than for your children to be healthy and happy. That includes having strong, healthy teeth. But tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the most common chronic disease in children. It can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

What is Tooth Decay?


Tooth decay is a process that happens when the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, is damaged. This damage is caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on the sugars and starches you eat. As these bacteria break down these foods, they produce acid, which eats away at the enamel.

If the enamel is not repaired, the decay will continue to progress, eventually reaching the inner layer of your tooth, called dentin. This can cause pain and sensitivity, and if left untreated, the decay can reach the pulp of your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to an infection and even tooth loss.

What are the Signs of Tooth Decay?


The early signs of tooth decay are not always obvious. However, there are some things you can look for, including:

•  White spots on your teeth
•  Brown or black spots on your teeth
•  Pain or sensitivity when eating or drinking
•  A hole in your tooth

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay can help prevent further damage and pain.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children


There are a number of things you can do to help prevent tooth decay in your children, including:

•  Brush your child's teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
•  Floss your child's teeth once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to decay.
•  Limit your child's intake of sugary foods and drinks. These foods and drinks provide the bacteria in your mouth with the fuel they need to produce acid.
•  Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help identify any early signs of decay and allow for early treatment.

Don't Wait to See a Dentist


If you think your child may have tooth decay, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent further damage and pain. With proper care, your child can have a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Additional Resources


•  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: https://www.aapd.org/
•  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/index.htm
•  The National Institutes of Health: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/

I encourage you to learn more about tooth decay and how you can prevent it in your children.

Smiles from ear-to-ear with locations from here-to-here.


Our community of dentistry superheroes prioritizes smiles above all else—theirs AND yours. That’s why we make it easy to find the location that’s right for you. Learn what to expect for your first visit, virtually tour the space, meet the dentists, and discover location-specific specialties and resources below.


Advance Pediatric Dentistry


135 Medical Drive
Advance, NC
(743) 259-8887

Afton Pediatric Dentistry


5641 Poplar Tent Rd. Suite 201
Concord, NC
(980) 291-4013

Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry


210 Willow Street NW
Lenoir, NC
(828) 383-0322

Denver Pediatric Dentistry


275 NC-16 Business Suite 204B
Denver, NC
(980) 303-5083

Dunn Pediatric Dentistry


711 Tilghman Drive
Dunn, NC
(910) 984-0026

Fuquay Pediatric Dentistry


401 Attain Street Suite 111
Fuquay-Varina, NC
(984) 313-4086

Hickory Grove Pediatric Dentistry


5708 North Sharon Amity Rd. Suite 5708a
Charlotte, NC
(980) 369-2014

Huntersville Pediatric Dentistry


9625 Northcross Center Ct. Suite 101
Huntersville, NC
(980) 306-6635

Locust Pediatric Dentistry


236 Market Street Suite 200
Locust, NC
(980) 354-0784

Mebane Pediatric Dentistry


1107 S. Fifth St. # 100
Mebane, NC
(984) 290-5016

Mint Hill Pediatric Dentistry


9055 Cresswind Blvd. Suite 104
Charlotte, NC
(980) 369-2032

Mooresville Pediatric Dentistry


202 Williamson Rd. Suite 200
Mooresville, NC
(980) 455-4053

Salisbury Pediatric Dentistry


140 Mahaley Avenue Suite B
Salisbury, NC
(980) 305-5002

Shelby Pediatric Dentistry


221 Simpson Park Rd.
Shelby, NC
(980) 436-2483

Sherrills Ford Pediatric Dentistry


7856 Village Center N Suite 200
Sherrills Ford, NC
(980) 291-9087

Statesville Pediatric Dentistry


1454 Fern Creek Drive
Statesville, NC
(980) 391-2407





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