Cavity Prevention for Kids

Most of the time, cavities are caused by a diet high in sugary foods and poor brushing.

Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their food, the longer the residue stays on their teeth and the greater the chances of getting cavities.

Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs in their mouth as bacteria digest the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the acidic environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.

Consistency of a person’s saliva also makes a difference, as thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars, they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn produces more of the acid-producing bacteria that causes cavities.

Tips for preventing childhood cavities

• Limit the frequency of meals and snacks.
• Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
• Watch what you drink.
• Avoid sticky foods.
• Make treats part of meals.
• Choose nutritious snacks.
• Visiting our office at least twice a year for check-ups