March 11, 2022

Cavities in Children: How Common Are They?

It’s very likely that you or your child had at least one cavity as a child. But how frequent are cavities among children? Cavities are discussed in further depth here, including what they are, what causes them, how prevalent they are, and how to prevent them.

What Exactly Is a Cavity?

Cavities, also known as permanent tooth decay, are regions of permanent damage to the enamel of your teeth that result in tiny holes and pits. Cavities are usually caused by a combination of inadequate oral hygiene and a bad diet. A cavity could be linked to:

Toothaches can range from mild to severe.

When you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet, it causes you pain.

Chewing pressure sensitivity.

Staining might be black, brown, or white.

Pits or holes that can be seen.

Chronic halitosis.

What Causes Cavities to Form?

Cavities are caused by a poor diet and inadequate dental hygiene practices, as previously stated. Plaque, a sticky coating of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth, is the first step in the development of dental rot. If you eat a high-sugar, refined-carbohydrate diet and don’t clean your teeth twice a day, bacteria will build up as they feed on the sugars in your food. They release enamel-destroying acids as they feed, which take the minerals from your tooth enamel. Early-stage tooth decay advances to permanent damage in the form of pits and holes, known as cavities, if you don’t take actions to remineralize it. You may feel discomfort, infection, and eventual tooth loss if the decay extends through the enamel to the next layer of your teeth, the dentin, and eventually to the inner pulp.

Cavities in Children: How Common Are They?

Children are one of the age groups most impacted by dental decay, which can be caused by a range of causes such as not cleaning their teeth or eating too many sweets, sugary drinks, and highly processed snacks. Unfortunately, pediatric cavities are on the rise, with a rise in the number of preschoolers with six to ten cavities or more! According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children aged 2 to 11 have cavities in their baby teeth, and 21% of children aged 6 to 11 have cavities in their adult teeth.

What Can Parents Do to Help Their Children Avoid Cavities?

Brush your children’s teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss between their teeth at least once a day to help them maintain a great at-home oral hygiene practice.

Show your youngster how to brush their teeth and tongue correctly to prevent plaque buildup.

It’s also critical that your youngster gets adequate fluoride, which aids in enamel remineralization and strengthening. Encourage them to drink fluoridated tap water and use fluoridated toothpaste in moderation. Brush your child’s teeth with a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice if they are under the age of three, and a pea-sized amount if they are between the ages of three and six.

Encourage your child to eat sugar and refined carbohydrates in moderation, and to eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis.

Allow your child to chew only sugar-free gum.

Taking your child to Stevensons Dental Ark and The Dental Ark for frequent examinations and cleanings is also essential for cavities prevention. Make an appointment for your child’s next visit today!