5 Real-Life Signs Your Kid Might Need a Dental Checkup

If you’re a parent, you probably already know—kids don’t always come right out and say, “Hey, I think I need to see the dentist.” (Wouldn’t that be nice?) But truth is, their teeth might be telling you something, even if they aren’t.

At Smile Explorers in Glendale, we see a lot of families who ask, “How do I know when it’s time for a checkup?” So I thought I’d share a few signs we often notice that parents sometimes miss.

1. They Keep Touching Their Mouth or Chewing Funny

I’ve seen this with my own kids—they’ll shift food around, chew on one side, or avoid cold stuff like ice cream. It might look minor, but these little habits can be a sign of a toothache or sensitivity. And kids, especially younger ones, won’t always tell you it hurts.

2. You Spot a Weird Mark on Their Tooth

Ever seen a white spot that wasn’t there before? Or maybe something brown-ish? It might not be food stuck in there. These marks can mean the start of a cavity. Sometimes they don’t hurt at all—yet.
It’s better to catch things early, while they’re small and easy to fix.

3. Their Gums Look Puffy or Bleed a Little

This one throws a lot of parents off. Gums aren’t supposed to bleed, even a little. If your child’s gums are swollen, red, or bleeding during brushing, it could mean gingivitis. And yes—kids can get gum problems too.
We usually catch this fast and get them back to healthy gums with a good cleaning and gentle brushing tips.

4. Their Breath Smells… Off

Every kid wakes up with morning breath, that’s normal. But if their breath stays bad throughout the day, even after brushing, it could be a sign of bacteria hiding somewhere—maybe from plaque, a cavity, or even a food trap.
Don’t stress—it happens! But a quick checkup can help clear things up.

5. It’s Been 6 Months (Or… More 😅)

This one’s easy to forget. Life gets busy. If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last visit, that’s your sign. Regular checkups aren’t just about cleaning—they help us find small problems early and keep things smooth for the future.
At our Glendale office, we try to make it fun. Most kids end up leaving with a prize and a big smile.

Time for a Visit? We’ve Got You.

If you’ve noticed one of these signs—or just realized it’s been a while—don’t worry. We’re here to help, no judgment. At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry in Glendale, we’re all about friendly care, no stress, and making dental visits something your kids don’t dread.

📅 Just give us a call or book online—easy peasy.
Let’s keep those smiles healthy and happy!