4 Reasons Why Your Child Keeps Getting Cavities

Children can start getting dental cavities from the time they get their first baby tooth. Most babies get their first tooth at around six months, so it’s important to establish a relationship with your child’s pediatric dentist around that time. 

Our experienced dental team at Hendricks Dental Specialists welcomes kids of all ages to our office in Brentwood, Tennessee, for gentle and compassionate pediatric dentistry. We routinely examine your child’s teeth for signs of cavities and treat them if they occur. 

Does your child seem to get cavities frequently? If we find new cavities at every visit, it may be time to examine your child’s eating and hygiene habits. Here are four main reasons why some kids get cavities frequently:

1. Bacterial buildup

Every person’s mouth contains bacteria, including some that serve beneficial purposes. The bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on sugars from the foods and drinks your child consumes, then produce a waste product called plaque that builds up on your child’s teeth. 

As plaque builds up on the surfaces of teeth, it attracts more bacteria. Acids in the plaque erode the underlying tooth and can cause cavities to develop. Plaque can also get into the spaces between the gums and teeth to cause gum disease. 

Proper dental hygiene, including regular professional dental cleanings, can help keep plaque under control and prevent more cavities. 

2. Too much sugar

Because the bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on sugar, eating a lot of sugar tends to lead to more plaque and more cavities. Some sources of sugar, like soda or candy, are more obvious than others. However, starches like bread and pasta have the same effect. 

It may be unreasonable to avoid sugar altogether, especially because it’s in so many unexpected foods. Instead, help your child eat fewer sugary snacks and encourage them to brush and floss daily to remove extra sugar and bacteria. 

3. Frequent snacks

Frequent snacking can also set the stage for tooth decay. This is because most snacks contain sugar that provide sustenance for the bacteria in your child’s mouth. If your child eats snacks frequently, those bacteria have more time to actively feed. 

Kids often have big appetites because they’re growing. To help minimize the impact of snacking on your child’s oral health, consider encouraging them to:

• Drink water after snacking
• Define specific “snack times” during the day 
• Choose snacks with minimal sugar and starch, like nuts or raw veggies
• Floss and brush daily using the proper techniques

With fewer snacks during the day, your child’s saliva has time to step in and neutralize the acidity that is breaking down their tooth enamel. 

4. Inadequate brushing and flossing

Even if your child rarely snacks, their teeth could still be susceptible to cavities because they aren’t brushing or flossing often or thoroughly enough. Your child’s dentist at Hendricks Dental Specialist can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques at their next visit. 

It’s important that your child brushes twice a day and flosses between their teeth at least once a day. Regular dental cleanings are just as critical for your child’s oral health, so be sure to schedule a pediatric cleaning once every six months. 

For added protection against cavities, your child’s dentist might recommend sealants. An important part of preventive care for the teeth, sealants strengthen and protect the tooth enamel on the surfaces of your child’s molars. 

Call Hendricks Dental Specialists or request an appointment online for your child’s next preventive care visit today.