What to Do If Your Child Has Persistent Cavities

Are you wondering why your child is constantly getting cavities? It can be an exhausting and expensive problem. But, there are some steps that you can take to help prevent cavities from forming in the future. In this article, we’ll explore what might be causing your kid’s persistent cavities, and how to address it.

How Common are Cavities in Children?

Cavities, or dental caries, are one of the most common oral health problems in children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in every five kids aged 5-11 has a cavity or sign of tooth decay in their baby teeth. Even more concerning is that almost half of teens have cavities in their permanent teeth.

What Causes Cavities in Kids?

Cavities are caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible film on the teeth that contains bacteria. The bacteria produce acid which breaks down tooth enamel and eventually leads to cavities. This can happen if your child isn’t brushing their teeth regularly or is eating too many sugary foods and drinks.

Causes include:

• Brushing habits. Not brushing often enough allows sugars to sit on the teeth and turn into acid. Acids can attack teeth for up to 20 minutes after each snack or meal, no matter the size.
• Dietary choices. Eating lots of sugary foods or eating frequently throughout the day may cause acid to build up on teeth and weaken enamel.
• Bottle use. Toddlers who go to sleep with bottles, drink juice out of bottles, or use bottles as pacifiers may develop cavities. Decay from bottles often affects the middle two front teeth.
• Genetics. Some kids may be more prone to cavities because they have weaker enamel or some other genetic factor, like low saliva production or tooth shape.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to tell if your child has a cavity, as the symptoms may be mild or nonexistent. If you suspect your child may have a cavity, look for these signs:

• Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
• Pain when you bite down

What Causes Persistent Cavities?

If your child keeps getting cavities, there may be an underlying cause. You may want to look into the following factors:

• Poor oral hygiene habits. If your child isn’t brushing or flossing regularly, they are more likely to get cavities.
• Unhealthy diets. Eating too many sugary foods and drinks can lead to cavities if they are not brushed away.
• Poor saliva production. If your child’s mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, it increases their risk of getting cavities since saliva helps wash away bacteria and food particles from the teeth.
• Medical conditions. Some medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect the body’s ability to fight off bacteria in the mouth or produce enough saliva.
• Medication side effects. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay.

How to Prevent Persistent Cavities in Kids?

To prevent your child from getting persistent cavities, it is important to take proactive steps. Here are some tips:

• Engage in good oral hygiene habits. Make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily. You can use a timer to ensure they are brushing long enough.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Taking your child to get regular checkups every six months will help identify any potential problems early on.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Encourage your child to drink water and eat healthy snacks.
• Use fluoride treatments. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. Ask your dentist if this is an option for your child.
• Ask about sealants. A dental sealant is a thin coating that seals off the crevices in molars and premolars, preventing bacteria from getting stuck in them.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce your child’s risk of developing cavities and keep their teeth healthy.

Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy with Li’l Sunshine Smiles

Cavities in children are a common problem but they can be prevented with the right measures. Make sure your child is brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and using fluoride treatments. If you’re worried about persistent cavities, talk to your child’s dentist about potential treatments like sealants. With proper care and regular dental checkups, you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and protect them from tooth decay. At Li’l Sunshine Smiles, we provide comprehensive dental care for children of all ages, and we strive to make every visit both positive and fun. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your child’s teeth healthy!