Many well-meaning parents and guardians mistakenly believe that they don’t need to worry about their child developing tooth decay in their primary teeth because they’ll eventually fall out anyway. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth because cavities are contagious.
Decay in their baby teeth can spread to their gums, jawbone, or permanent teeth before they arrive. Continue reading to learn more about the prevalence of tooth decay in still-developing smiles and how to protect your child’s dental well-being.
What Causes Cavities?
Tooth decay happens when plaque and bacteria in your child’s mouth produce acids that erode their enamel. Eventually, they can penetrate this protective outer layer to create holes in the structure of their teeth that allow germs to wreak havoc on their dental health. Unwanted microbes can infiltrate the nerves and tender pulp inside, causing aches and infection.
Overly sugary foods are a common culprit behind cavities in children, but it’s not the only cause. Poor dental hygiene can lead to oral issues, though they can also be caused by genetic predisposition.
How Common are Cavities in Kids?
Although it’s typically preventable, caries are incredibly common among children. For instance, an estimated 20% (or about 1 in 5) under five years old and nearly 50% of those 6 to 11 years old have untreated cavities.
A recent 2024 CDC surveillance report found that children between 2 to 5 years old had an average of 1.8 decayed teeth and 2.6 filled teeth, which increased as they got older. Kids 6 to 8 had an average of 3.2 filled teeth.
How Can I Protect My Kid’s Grin?
Thankfully, cavities are often preventable with the right care and attention to your little one’s oral condition. You can prevent problems and safeguard their smile by:
- Limiting sugar consumption. Instead of loading them up with pre-packaged or sugary snacks, which are harmful to their dental health, give them cheese, yogurt, or citrus fruits that contain calcium and vitamin C to support their teeth and gums.
- Implementing a routine. Help your kid brush and floss their grin twice daily to remove harmful buildup to keep their mouth clean and happy.
- Choosing products carefully. If your child has a history of cavities, you might switch them to a toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen their enamel. You can also purchase floss picks to clean between their teeth if they struggle to manipulate glossy string in their small hands.
- Scheduling regular checkups. A routine visit every six months with their pediatric dentist allows them to monitor your kid’s dental health to catch and treat areas of concern, like weakened enamel, before they progress into more serious issues.
If you suspect your child has developed a problem, you should immediately call their provider for an appointment!
About the Practice
Patients at The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry benefit from a team of three experts board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, so you can trust that your child’s teeth are in good hands. They provide a full array of services to children from 0 to 18 to address even the most unique dental needs in a family-friendly atmosphere that will keep everyone occupied. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to improve your kid’s comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 364-7472.