Children visit their doctor for routine checkups and vaccinations, so it’s easy to assume that their dental health is perfect too. Kids can develop cavities just like adults, even if you remind them to brush their teeth every day. Read about these eight reasons your child might be having frequent cavities to discover new ways to prevent tooth decay and reoccurring pain.
Learning more about dental health keeps your family healthy. These tips will help your kids avoid cavities and even improve your dental routine too.
1. They Skip Brushing Their Teeth
Some kids love routines and others don’t. It might be easier to jump straight to reading a bedtime story before turning the lights out, but don’t let your kids skip time with their toothbrushes. While they sleep, streptococcus mutans bacteria produces copious amounts of acid that dissolve tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth for just two minutes swipes this bacteria away and protects your children’s teeth while they sleep.
2. They Don’t Brush Correctly
Little kids need time to develop hand-eye coordination, so they may not brush their teeth correctly. Stand next to them and follow brushing instructions closely, like moving the bristles in circular motions to get rid of plaque. Training them early sets them up for better dental health when they’re old enough to handle their bedtime routine alone.
3. They Wear Retainers
Nightly retainers won’t cause cavities on their own, but they can add bacteria to the gumline. Kids should always clean their retainers according to their orthodontist’s instructions. It removes any bacteria that grows in the retainer case that would otherwise press directly onto the teeth when worn. Wash them every night so your child’s teeth stay clean after they brush.
4. They Eat Too Much Sugar
Dentists always recommend a low-sugar diet because sugar feeds bacteria that break down enamel and tooth surfaces. Even if your family doesn’t keep ice cream and soda in the house, your child might be having frequent cavities because they consume too much added sugar.
Added sugar appears in surprising foods, like peanut butter and fruit juice. Assess your standard grocery list and look for replacements with
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