Most dental patients only want to hear one thing during an appointment, “No cavities!”. Unfortunately, this isn’t being said by dentists as much nowadays, especially to our children. The two main reasons cavities are often even more common in children are poor diet and inadequate oral hygiene.

How Diet Leads to Cavities

Diets high in sugar are the main reason children are suffering from more cavities. When sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth, it produces acid. This acid penetrates teeth and erodes enamel, which is what leads to cavities. The most common foods and drinks that increase oral acidity are:

• Cake
• Candy
• Ice Cream
• Soft Drinks
• Diet Soft Drinks
• Sports Energy Drinks
• Juice

Anything that has a high amount of sugar can cause cavities. The only way to limit the amount of sugar is to look at nutrition labels. Children should consume less than six teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar a day.
In addition to limiting the amount of sugar children consume, good oral hygiene is important.

How Inadequate Oral Hygiene Leads to Cavities

It can be difficult to limit sugar consumption all the time. Even a small amount of sugar can cause enough acid in the mouth to cause cavities. Usually, this is because the sugar sits in the mouth for long periods of time. This is especially true when someone consumes a sugary food or drink and then goes to sleep for several hours without brushing or flossing the bacteria out of the mouth. The acid sits in the mouth, erodes tooth enamel, and then leads to cavities.

Cavity Prevention Tips

Dentists recommend brushing and flossing in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, and then before bedtime. Brushing and flossing keeps the amount of acid in the mouth at a low level decreasing the chance of cavities and tooth decay.

Pediatric dentists recommend that parents brush their children’s teeth as soon as they can be seen. Baby brushes are perfect for this and not only can they remove bacteria from the teeth, but it gets them comfortable with having the brush in their mouth. Around age 2, a child should be trying to hold the brush and spit. A small amount of children’s toothpaste can be used at this time as well.

Even though young children may not consume a lot of sugar, some bacteria exist. Brushing and flossing can help children rid their mouth of bacteria and get them in the habit of good oral hygiene for when they do start consuming more sugary foods and drinks.

In addition to brushing and flossing at least twice a day, parents should take their children to a dentist for kids. Pediatric dentists specialize in examining baby teeth and ensure adult teeth are coming through correctly. This also helps children get comfortable seeking care from a dentist.

Contact Our Pediatric Dentist in The Woodlands

If you’re looking for a dentist who can give your child a great dental appointment experience, contact Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry. We have dentists for kids who not only know what to look for in children’s oral health but take the time to ensure they feel comfortable with their care.

Schedule an appointment now by calling us at (936) 231-8705. We are conveniently located on 17450 St Lukes Way #260 in The Woodlands.

If you want to keep smiling with a healthy and well functioning set of pearly whites, follow these easy tips to help you keep your teeth healthy.

1. Brush at least twice a day.

The best time to brush teeth is at the start and end of each day or after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristle toothbrushes are kinder on your gums. Toothbrushes should be changed 3-4 times a year.

2. Start kids on a dental regimen early on.

One in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Start with a regimen when the first tooth appears, using a super soft brush or cloth to clean teeth until the age of two when they can begin brushing for themselves, under your careful supervision.

3. Use fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay. Many people drink water that is fluoridated, but if yours is not there is a specialized fluoride application that can be placed on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride – but be careful not to use too much as it can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Seal your teeth.

Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.

5. Floss your teeth daily.

Use a slow and gentle sawing motion when flossing at least once, if not twice a day and especially when recognizing food debris in your teeth.

6. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices.

Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum.

7. Limit sugary foods.

That gummy worm and all the sugar gets lodged in your teeth and creates a cavity playground.

8. Protect your teeth from injury.

Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

9. Try to save a knocked out tooth.

If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental help as soon as possible.

10. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food.

If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.

11. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

You should also book an appointment at Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.

Dental health doesn’t have to be difficult, following these simple steps you can ensure your best dental health and smile for years to come!