Cavities affect a lot of children. According to The Center for Pediatric Dentistry, more than 40% of kids have at least one cavity by the time they reach kindergarten. One way to help prevent cavities is to know what causes them in the first place. Here are some of the most common causes of cavities in children.

Their Mouth Bacteria

As your dentist will tell you, everyone's mouth has bacteria. There are some bacteria that eat sugar, though, and create acid as a result. That acid eats away at the outer layer of the teeth, called the enamel. When that happens, it can reach the inner part and cause a cavity. To help fight back against this bacteria, a children’s dentist may recommend they use child-friendly mouthwash to help keep bad bacteria at bay.

Their Diet

If a child has a diet that has a lot of carbohydrates, starches, and sugars in their meals, their diet can contribute to their cavities. This is because mouth bacteria love to eat sugars, carbs, and starches. As we mentioned above, when bacteria eat these substances, they can create acid that leads to cavities. As a result, try to limit how many of these foods your child may eat.

No Fluoride in Their Water

Fluoride is an important mineral that can prevent cavities. While it's present in toothpaste, it's also naturally present in drinking water. However, sometimes this isn't the case, which can weaken your child's teeth and lead to tooth decay. If this is the case with your child's drinking water, a kid's dentist may recommend they use fluoride mouthwash.

Their Oral Hygiene

It's important for children to have a good brushing and flossing routine. That means that they should brush for at least two minutes and floss once before bed. They can also use mouthwash that's made for kids. This can keep the bacteria off their teeth and prevent cavities.

It's important to help your child establish good dental habits now so that their teeth stay strong and healthy as they grow. Cavities in baby teeth can put your child at greater risk of having cavities in their adult teeth.

Are you looking for a kids dentist in your area? Pediatric Dental Specialists are there for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with us!

Posted 10/13/23