Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?
Dental cavity or caries (commonly known as tooth decay) is one of the most common dental conditions in children nowadays, and it can result in severe pain and discomfort if it reaches the pulp tissue. If you want to find out why your child keeps getting cavities, have a look at its common contributing factors and preventive options to keep your child’s oral health at its best.
According to research by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the dental decay ratio has significantly increased over the decades, and it is the most prevalent chronic condition in both children and adults. Although this disease is preventable, it is approximately five times more common than asthma.
What Bacteria Causes Dental Cavities in Children?
The most common bacteria responsible for causing dental cavities in children are Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus. They produce acids by feeding on stuck food particles and initiate demineralization of the enamel by producing acid as a by-product, causing holes or cavities on the exterior surfaces of teeth. It can gradually reach dentine and pulp tissue if not treated earlier, leading to infection, causing pain and discomfort. Understanding the difference between tooth decay and cavities can help in early detection and prevention, ensuring better oral health for children.
How Does Bacteria Cause Cavities?
Several stages are involved in the process of cavity formation by bacteria, such as:
1. Plaque Formation
The bacteria induce plaque buildup by combining with the food crumbs and saliva left on the teeth and form a white, sticky layer around the tooth enamel. If this layer is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, more bacteria colonize and make the layer thicken.
2. Sugar Metabolism
Carbohydrates and sugary substances are the main culprits behind causing dental cavities in children. Once the biofilm gets established, these bacteria metabolize the sugars, resulting in the production of acids as a by-product.
3. Acid Attack
The repeated acid attacks cause the outer layer of teeth (enamel) to lose minerals and weaken gradually. This whole process is known as the enamel demineralization.
4. Cavity Formation
If your child doesn’t brush properly and doesn’t get enough fluoride, their teeth will keep losing minerals. This can lead to cavities, which are small holes in the teeth. If not treated, these holes can get bigger and deeper.
Major Factors Causing Cavities in Children
Several factors are responsible for the formation of cavities in children, such as:
1. Dietary Habits
Sugary and starchy foods and drinks are the main cause of cavities in children. To prevent this, encourage healthy eating habits, including five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene practices in children can increase the risk of developing cavities in children. Most infants get nursing bottle caries, which is usually a result of carelessness about leaving the milk bottle in their mouth while they’re sleeping.
3. Fluoride Exposure
Fluoride is capable of strengthening tooth enamel through the remineralization process. Lack of sufficient fluoride exposure can increase the susceptibility to cavities. Conversely, optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water, fluoride treatments, or fluoride-containing dental hygiene products can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in children.
Note: Excessive fluoride intake can also increase the risk of fluorosis in children.
4. Saliva Flow
Saliva helps clean teeth, aids in remineralization, and protects against cavities. Some medicines, health issues like diabetes, or not drinking enough water can reduce saliva flow, raising the risk of cavities.
5. Genetics
Some health conditions, like Sjogren’s Syndrome or Cystic Fibrosis, can make a child’s mouth produce less saliva. Saliva helps keep teeth healthy, so when there isn’t enough, kids can get more cavities.
6. Mouth Breathing
Children who have a habit of mouth breathing, either due to their own psyche or some nose blockage conditions, develop dry mouths, which can significantly increase the risk of cavities. A pediatric dentist can help us resolve this condition by providing customized interceptive orthodontic appliances to your child.
7. Enamel Defects
Some children have weak or uneven tooth enamel because of their genes or things in their environment. This can make their teeth more likely to get cavities. Two common problems are enamel hypoplasia (thin enamel) and fluorosis (white or brown spots on teeth). These problems make it easier for bacteria to stick to teeth and cause decay.
How Many Cavities Are Normal for a Child?
It can be challenging to determine what is “normal” for cavities in children. The risk of cavity formation depends on factors such as age, diet, oral hygiene habits, and genetic predisposition.
According to the AAPD, approximately 60% of children have had at least one Cavity by the age of 5. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices minimizes risk. However, multiple cavities, mainly if occurring frequently, suggest a need for proper intervention and improvement in dental hygiene practices.
Preventive Measures for Reducing Cavities in Children
The following are the most common preventive measures you can take to avoid the formation of cavities in children:
1. Regular Brushing and Flossing
It’s important to start brushing your baby’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a pea) as soon as their first tooth appears. Once their teeth touch each other, you should also start flossing to clean the spaces between them where a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Sugary, starchy foods and drinks can be the main cause of increasing cavity formation in children. Instead, develop healthy eating habits in your children, which mainly include five portions of fruits and vegetables per day.
3. Regular Dental Checkups
It would be best if you opted for your child’s regular dental checkups and professional cleanings for early diagnosis and prevention of chronic dental conditions such as cavities.
4. Promote Saliva Production
Consumption of plenty of water, healthy foods, and sugar-free gums can promote saliva flow, which can help minimize the risk of cavities in children.
Visit A Pediatric Dentist To Safeguard Your Child’s Teeth From Cavities
If your child keeps getting cavities, the best way is to establish a dental home early and adopt good oral hygiene practices. Visiting the nearest pediatric dentist before their first birthday can help you prevent dental cavities in children by identifying the risk factors, having the right guidance and education, and getting early treatment to avoid any future complications.
Call us today to book an appointment for your child to find out why your child keeps getting cavities and ensure your child’s healthy teething and oral development journey!
