Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are common among children. Left untreated your child can experience pain and infection. This can lead to problems with speaking, eating, and learning.

Good dental hygiene can help your child prevent cavities. You can help your child establish healthy dental habits even before their first tooth appears. Knowing what causes cavities in children and how to treat them if they develop can help you and your child prevent them in the future.

What Causes Cavities in Children?

Cavities can be caused by bacteria, foods, acids, and saliva. Foods with sugars and starches in them, like candy, soda, cake, juices, milk, and cereals, become acidic from the bacteria in your child’s mouth. The acids break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. If left untreated, cavities can be dangerous for children.

All children are at risk for cavities, but some factors may increase that risk:

Higher than average levels of bacteria in your child’s mouth
Too many sugar, and starches in your child’s diet
Drinking water with little to no fluoride
Little to no oral hygiene
Low saliva production

Signs of Cavities

1. Brownish/whitish discoloration
2. Pain/sensitivity
3. Gap in teeth
4. Food lodgement

Management of cavities

1. Visit the dentist regularly
2. Flouride toothpaste
3. Maintaining good oral hygiene
4. Healthy diet
Untreated cavities can lead to severe pain, pus formation, inability to eat.

Dr Bharti
Best Dentist in East Delhi