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 no-added-sugar labels. Your family’s dental health will improve and they’ll lower their risk of health complications like diabetes and weight gain.
5. They Don’t Visit the Dentist
Most dentists recommend bi-annual checkups for cleanings and x-rays. They’ll catch cavities in early development and remind kids about essential habits like flossing. Forgetting to schedule these appointments may result in more frequent cavities because an expert doesn’t take a close look at your child’s dental development.
You might skip dental cleanings because you don’t have insurance or your current plan doesn’t cover enough of the cost. Call local dentist offices to discuss payment plans or in-office insurance. You’ll likely find better monthly rates or prorated plans. Families can also access free and reduced-cost dental care at community health clinics.
6. They Use Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
There’s a common misconception that kids under the age of two shouldn’t use fluoride toothpaste. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids use fluoride toothpaste after their first tooth erupts from the gumline, just not too much. A pea-sized amount or smaller effectively prevents cavities when rubbed onto individual teeth with a finger or brush. As long as children don’t swallow larger amounts of toothpaste, it’s safe for them to use at all ages.
7. They Don’t Floss
Flossing requires patience and hand-eye coordination. Teach your children to floss by doing it with them. Practicing this once each day will reduce plaque buildup between each tooth and along the gum line, preventing bacteria from eating away at your child’s teeth.
Forgetting to floss may result in periodontal disease, even for young kids. The gums become inflamed and bleed when you floss. Some bleeding is normal if you’re just starting a flossing routine because you have to remove bacteria packed into sensitive tissue. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, your dentist may require a visit to ensure there isn’t further damage.
Don’t worry if your child doesn’t like traditional waxed floss. There are multiple types they can experiment with, like floss picks or water flossers. They might be easier to handle for your child’s small hands or simpler to use if your kids have braces.
8. They Eat Too Much Starch
Starch is a carbohydrate that turns into sugar when digested by saliva and the stomach. After converting into sugar, this starch can attach to teeth and result in cavities. It causes the same damage as traditional sugar. Watching your family’s sugar intake may not be enough to prevent dental problems. Minimize their starch intake by swapping foods like white bread with whole-grain bread that’s low-carb.
Stop Your Child’s Frequent Cavities
These are a few reasons your child might be having frequent cavities that are easy to fix. Consider what your family eats and what their current dental routines look like. Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist and demonstrate proper hygiene so your children experience better dental health between visits.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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