Cavity Causes
Processed carbs and sugary snacks provide food for the natural bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria clusters and a coating of plaque form as a result. The acidic waste then leaks onto the teeth, causing tooth enamel to deteriorate.
Cavities develop in both children and adults as a result of this process. Cavities, on the other hand, require time to form. Neglecting good dental hygiene encourages bacteria development, which creates the ideal environment for cavities to form.
Plaque is a transparent, sticky coating that clings to the teeth. When carbs and sugars aren’t brushed away, bacteria can grow. In addition, plaque acids eat away at dental enamel, causing cavities to form. Cavities develop in children (particularly newborns and toddlers) when:
- Teeth aren’t brushed or wiped clean
- They consume much too many sugary beverages.
- They don’t go to the dentist.
- They take a bottle to bed with them.
If you give your child a bottle in bed, make sure they brush their teeth first.
Otherwise, sugar will be deposited on their teeth by formula or milk. It creates an environment where germs thrive, and children develop cavities. Take your child to the dentist between the ages of six months and a year to avoid raising a child with cavities.
For the Big Kids
Once your child gets beyond the toddler stage, he or she must learn to protect their teeth on their own. Here are a few reasons why older children get cavities and tooth decay:
- There are far too many high-carb, high-sugar snacks on the market (allowing oral bacteria to thrive)
- An unbalanced diet that is deficient in nutrients and minerals
- Brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene habits
- Not visiting the dentist
Your child will desire to demonstrate their independence as they get older. Nonetheless, it’s critical to monitor their growth. Remember that helping your toddler adopt healthy behaviours will benefit them later in life.
Symptoms
Cavities in children show up in a variety of ways. However, you may observe the following symptoms in your child:
- Sensitive teeth
- When they bite/chew, it causes pain.
- Toothaches are common.
- When they eat/drink hot or cold liquids, they experience sharp or mild pain.
- Staining on the surface of the tooth
If your child exhibits these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a dentist right once.
Limiting these symptoms by taking actions to prevent cavities can also make future dental visits simpler. Otherwise, your youngster will start to identify dentist appointments with the pain they’re in. In addition, they may develop dental anxiety as a result of this.
Cavity Prevention
Good dental and oral hygiene can keep children’s teeth clean and safe.
To avoid cavities in children, ensure that you:
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste two times a day
- Rinse their mouth
- Drink tap water which often contains fluoride
- Limit frequent snacks and sugary drinks
- Eat healthy foods
- Floss food remnants away
Brushing your child’s teeth twice a day along with a healthy diet can help prevent cavities. Avoiding some foods can help cavities heal naturally. A healthy diet can heal cavities while preventing them from forming in the first place. The dentist can also provide you with some further advice on keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Regular dental visits can aid in the early detection of problems with your child’s teeth. Early detection, sealants, and fluoride varnishes can help them avoid tooth decay in the future.
Don’t forget to take your child for a dental check-up. Regular visits can help you detect cavities and tooth decay early on. The dentist can also provide attention tips to help your child grow up cavity-free.