Cavities

What are cavities?

Cavities are tiny holes that form in your child’s teeth when tooth decay causes the enamel, or the hard outer layer of the tooth, to break down.

Enamel breaks down when carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth for too long. The bacteria that are normally found in your child’s mouth feed on these carbohydrates, making acids as a byproduct. This acid eats away at your child’s tooth enamel, leading to the formation of a hole, or cavity.

What are the signs that my child might have a cavity?

The first sign of a cavity is the development of chalky, white spots on your child’s teeth, called “demineralization.” As a cavity continues to develop, you might notice a light brown spot on your child’s tooth, and as the cavity grows deeper, you might notice the spot turning into a darker shade of brown, and eventually black. Your child might also complain about pain in one of their teeth, or find that their teeth are more sensitive to heat, cold, and sweets.

Not all cavities present symptoms, however. Frequently, you and your child might not know that there’s a cavity until your dentist finds one during an exam. Because untreated cavities can lead to bigger problems down the road, like an infected pulp, extreme pain, and tooth loss, it’s important that your child maintains regular dental visits to ensure that they’re not developing any cavities.

How do I prevent my child from developing cavities?

The most common treatment for a cavity is a filling, but the best treatment is to prevent them from ever forming in the first place. Some of the best ways to prevent cavities include:

• Practicing good oral hygiene, like brushing twice a day and flossing
• Fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash
• Fluoride treatments or supplements at My Kidz Dentist
• Limiting sugary and starchy foods
• Maintaining regular dental check-ups every six months
• Dental sealants

To learn more about what you can do to help your child fight against cavities, schedule an appointment with the dental experts at My Kidz Dentist by calling the office nearest you or booking a visit online.