Why Does My Child Have So Many Cavities?

Regardless of how well you or your children take care of your teeth, there is still the possibility of cavities from time to time. This is due to the fact that your teeth are constantly coming into contact with acids that erode tooth enamel and create cavities.

Having to deal with the occasional cavity is quite normal, but if you find your child consistently developing holes in their teeth, it might be a sign of a few bad habits your child has picked up. Here is a look at a few of these habits.

1. Not maintaining proper oral hygiene

Taking proper care of your teeth goes a long way when it comes to your oral health. It helps to remove food particles from your teeth that can be broken down by bacteria in your mouth into acids that damage your enamel and create holes in your teeth. If your child is not brushing and flossing properly, cavities are pretty much unavoidable.

It is beneficial to instill proper brushing habits in your children early on. Teach them to gently brush their teeth and tongue twice a day. You should also teach your child to floss at least once a day. Make sure you supervise your children's brushing until they learn to do it on a regular basis.

2. Consuming too much sugar

Sugar is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars, breaking them into enamel destroying acids. Sticky sugary treats are the worst since these stay on teeth a lot longer.

Try minimizing the number of sugary snacks your child consumes like sodas, candies and desserts. In addition, children should understand the importance of rinsing their mouth after eating things that contain sugar to minimize the damage.

3. Consuming acidic items

The acids that the bacteria creates in your mouth is not the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to tooth decay. Many common food items like strawberries, oranges and lemons are good for the body, but not so much for your teeth. These foods contain highly acidic juices that wreak havoc on teeth enamel. Limit your child's consumption of acidic foods and the child will have fewer cavities to deal with.

4. Poor nutrition

Teeth need certain essential elements to be healthy, so make sure your child is getting enough of them. Fluoride is essential for healthy enamel. Not getting enough fluoride leaves people susceptible to tooth decay. A strong fluoride toothpaste is a great way to ensure your child is getting enough of this essential nutrient. Children should also drink lots of fluoridated water since this helps to ward off tooth decay.

Calcium is another essential mineral that is necessary for healthy teeth. Dairy products and green leafy vegetables are great sources of this element. Make sure your child consumes lots of these. This will keep his/her teeth and bones strong and healthy. Contact one of our dentists to learn more about how to keep your child's teeth healthy.

Request a dental appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond dental office.