Tooth decay doesn’t cause any pain; however, if left too long it could lead to dental cavities, which could cause the following symptoms:

• Tooth sensitivity – tenderness or a pain when eating food or drinking hot, cold or sweet liquids

• Toothache – this could be constant pain which will result in the child not sleeping, difficulty in eating and can have an effect on their social life

• Bad breath – as a result of not brushing teeth properly. Bacteria can build up in the mouth and toxins produced, causing the breath to smell

• Spots on the teeth – which will appear brown, black or grey in colour

• Difficulty in eating – they may experience an unpleasant taste in their mouth

Children who have tooth decay when they start school, may experience more than one of the symptoms listed above. Children who have toothache or need treatment will often be absent from school and parents/guardians may also need to take off time from work to take them to the dentist or hospital for treatment.