Is this tooth decay?

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I've noticed a mark in between DS front teeth which doesn't go away. He is 3, I try and brush his teeth twice a day but he absolutely hates it. He is being assessed for autism and kicks, hits, bites, scratches when I try to brush them. Does this look like tooth decay? I will phone the dentist in the morning, just looking for opinions.

It does look like it could be cavities. This kind of cavity isn't uncommon. If left alone you end up with a bit if a hole in the front two teeth. Might just be discoloration but get it checked out. I struggle to brush my son's teeth. We get there twice a day but it's a huge drama!

Yes it does look like cavities on both teeth. It also looks like he has fluorosis but that could just be the camera/light.

Yes it is decay

Will get him to the dentist as soon as possible. Can anything be done to prevent it from getting worse, like flouride varnish or will they need to come out?

He’s three so he will get another set. Milk teeth are for learning on. Buy an electric toothbrush and don’t rinse the toothpaste off. If you don’t get any joy from your dentist you can ask to be referred to the community dentist who have experienced of SN. Be really diligent about it all. He can learn to tolerate it.

Could be fluorosis, which isn’t harmful. My DD has it, and I have it too which didn’t realise until the dentist identified hers and mentioned she could see I had a mild version! No one had mentioned it before. Its worth a check up but not worth a panic (I panicked).

Don't take them out. There is always a risk the adult tooth may never come through.

Most cavities can be fixed.

While most cavities can be fixed, for children (and adults) with additional needs this often involves a GA and is very difficult. I wish someone had told me that raisins were as bad as haribo, and to make electric toothbrushes part of our lives earlier.