It happens often — despite limiting your child’s sugar intake, they still end up with a cavity. You wonder how that happens, even when your child is brushing their teeth regularly. Why do children get cavities?
Cavities in children aren’t unusual at all, and there are a number of reasons why kids get cavities. It’s about far more than the sugar they eat.
The Center for Pediatric Dental Health has ways to help support your child’s oral health and reduce the risk of tooth decay. First, let’s find out how cavities are formed, why children get cavities, and what you can do to help prevent them.
How Do Cavities Form?
How do cavities form in the first place? You’ve heard about cavities and tooth decay, but do you know how cavities form in children and adults?
Cavities (also called dental caries) are the result of tooth decay, which is the breakdown of the materials in your tooth. You’ve probably heard that sugar causes cavities. Yes and no — sugar itself doesn’t directly cause cavities. It’s the acids in the mouth that contribute to cavity formation, and sugars and other food substances are converted by bacteria into those acids.
Sugars and starches can contribute to more acid production than some other foods, but they aren’t the only factors. Many foods and drinks, from citrus fruits to sodas, can contribute to acid production in the mouth. This substance builds up on teeth and becomes plaque.
Plaque acids wear away the surface of tooth enamel through a process called demineralization. This causes the enamel — the tooth’s hard, protective outer layer — to weaken over time. Eventually, it can lead to a small hole called a cavity.
Without treatment, the bacteria can continue to affect the second layer of the tooth, the dentin. Over time, it may reach the pulp, the living part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. When decay reaches this stage, it may lead to infection or damage to the tooth.
Why Do Baby Teeth Get Cavities So Fast?
Cavities don’t happen overnight, but they can sometimes progress more quickly in children than in adult teeth. Why is that?
There are several reasons why this can happen.
Thinner enamel: Children have thinner enamel on their baby teeth than on permanent teeth. This means cavities can move through the protective layer of the tooth more quickly than with adult teeth.
Types of foods: Many common foods and drinks that children enjoy contain sugars, starches, and natural or added acids. Even with a balanced diet, these components can contribute to acid production in the mouth.
Oral hygiene habits: It’s important to teach your child good oral hygiene habits early, and many children learn them well. However, younger children may not yet have the coordination to thoroughly brush and floss every surface of their teeth, allowing plaque to remain.
Less saliva flow: Children tend to have less saliva than adults, and saliva production slows during sleep. Saliva helps rinse away acids from the tooth’s surface. Without it, bacteria can build up more easily.
Less fluoride: Young children use smaller amounts of fluoride toothpaste than adults. They typically use a smear until age 3 and a pea-sized amount until about age 6. Some children also drink more beverages, such as juice or milk, than fluoridated tap water. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, so reduced exposure may make teeth more vulnerable to decay.
What Are the Symptoms of Cavities in Children?
How do you know if your child is getting cavities? The signs may be subtle at first, but as decay progresses, symptoms may become more noticeable.
Here are some possible signs of cavities and tooth decay in children:
White spots: The first sign of trouble can be white spots on your child’s teeth. These may indicate early demineralization of the enamel.
Brown spots: As decay progresses, these areas may begin to darken.
Dark brown or black spots: These may indicate more advanced decay that may require prompt evaluation.
Tooth sensitivity: Children may become sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.
Tooth pain: This can occur as decay progresses deeper into the tooth.
Not all children will have all of these symptoms. That’s why regular dental visits are important.
At the Center for Pediatric Dental Health, we may use dental X-rays, digital imaging, and thorough examinations to help identify cavities. This approach can help detect areas of concern, including those between teeth or in less visible areas.
Many children benefit from visiting a dentist about twice a year, though your child’s dentist may recommend a different schedule based on their individual needs.
How Do I Prevent Cavities in My Child’s Teeth?
Supporting your child’s daily oral hygiene routine can help reduce the risk of cavities. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help remove plaque and food particles.
We also recommend dental sealants for children. This sealant is applied to the surfaces of the molars, which can be harder for children to clean thoroughly because they are located at the back of the mouth and have grooves where food can collect.
The dental sealant forms a protective barrier on the surface of the molars, helping reduce the risk of cavities.
Fluoride treatments may also be recommended to help support enamel strength and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
FAQs About Cavities in Children
How do I know if my child has a cavity?
Early signs may include tooth discoloration, from white spots to darker areas. Your child may also chew differently or mention tooth discomfort. If you notice these changes, a dental evaluation can help determine the cause.
Do I really need to fill my child’s cavity on their baby tooth?
While baby teeth do eventually fall out, untreated decay can spread and cause discomfort or infection. In many cases, dentists recommend treating cavities in baby teeth to help support your child’s oral health and development.
How do I prevent tooth decay in my kid?
Limiting sugary foods can help, along with brushing and flossing daily and maintaining regular dental visits. Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water may also help strengthen enamel.
Cavity Treatment in Sicklerville, NJ
Do you suspect your child has cavities? If you’re looking for cavity treatment in Sicklerville, NJ, Woolrich Township, NJ, or Mount Laurel, NJ, schedule an appointment with the Center for Pediatric Dental Health. We will take care of your child’s cavities and help them learn how to avoid getting more!
