Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
This article discusses the causes of cavities in kids, treatment options, and tips for cavity prevention.
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Causes and Risk Factors
A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that occurs when the hard outer layer of the tooth, called theenamel, is damaged. Cavities form when bacteria and sugar in the mouth create an acid that eats away at the enamel. Because bacteria are naturally present in the mouth, anyone can get a cavity.
Cavities in Babies and Toddlers
Dental Visits for Your Child
How to Tell If You Have a Cavity
Cavities in Children
Even though they may not be drinking out of a bottle or sippy cup anymore, older children are also susceptible to getting cavities. Some common risk factors include:
Supervising Your Child’s BrushingChildren need adult supervision during toothbrushing. This helps ensure they don’t accidentally swallow too much fluoride toothpaste, and that they are cleaning their teeth adequately.Once your child has their daily dental routine down, you can help make sure they’re flossing once per day, as well.
Supervising Your Child’s Brushing
Children need adult supervision during toothbrushing. This helps ensure they don’t accidentally swallow too much fluoride toothpaste, and that they are cleaning their teeth adequately.Once your child has their daily dental routine down, you can help make sure they’re flossing once per day, as well.
Signs and Symptoms
Cavities can be tricky to catch, since there aren’t always noticeable symptoms that show up during the early stages of tooth decay. As the cavity continues to form, watch out for the following signs in your child:
When to Seek Medical AttentionCall a dentist or other healthcare provider right away if your child is experiencing fever, swelling, or pain. It could mean there’s anabscess(pocket of pus around the root of the tooth) that can lead to a severe tooth infection and potential hospitalization, if ignored.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Call a dentist or other healthcare provider right away if your child is experiencing fever, swelling, or pain. It could mean there’s anabscess(pocket of pus around the root of the tooth) that can lead to a severe tooth infection and potential hospitalization, if ignored.
Treatment options include:
Many people of all ages have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist. Rest assured, dentists uselocal anesthesiato numb the area before performing common cavity treatments, andgeneral anesthesiafor procedures like tooth extraction, so your child should not feel any pain.
If you think your child may need additional support to ease their mind or pain level while undergoing cavity treatment options, check with your dentist’s office about options to help them relax. Pediatric dentists are used to working in a completely kid-focused and friendly environment, and they may be able to help deal with dental anxiety.
Dental InsuranceIf your child is in need of dental care and dental insurance is either not accessible to you or is not sufficient to cover the procedure costs, know that you’re not alone. In many communities, there are places where you can obtainfree or low-cost dental services. You can also check outInsureKidsNow.govfor additional information.
Dental Insurance
If your child is in need of dental care and dental insurance is either not accessible to you or is not sufficient to cover the procedure costs, know that you’re not alone. In many communities, there are places where you can obtainfree or low-cost dental services. You can also check outInsureKidsNow.govfor additional information.
What Is a Pulpotomy?
Cavity Prevention
While cavities in children are common, they’re also preventable. It’s important to take steps to prevent and treat tooth decay to avoid pain, loss of affected teeth, and a negative impact on your child’s growth, speech, and overall well-being and self-esteem.
To help prevent cavities in children, experts recommend implementing the following tips.
Daily Habits
Diet
Dental Care
Importance of Dental HygieneBabies, toddlers, and children require dailydental hygienecare in order to preventcavities. Developing goodbrushing and flossinghabits from an early age, encouraging a healthy diet, and prioritizing regular dental checkups can help set your child up for a lifetime ofhealthy teeth.
Importance of Dental Hygiene
Babies, toddlers, and children require dailydental hygienecare in order to preventcavities. Developing goodbrushing and flossinghabits from an early age, encouraging a healthy diet, and prioritizing regular dental checkups can help set your child up for a lifetime ofhealthy teeth.
Summary
Creating good brushing and flossing habits, encouraging a healthy diet, and scheduling regular dental checkups are important for preventing cavities in kids.
A Word From Verywell
Oral health is important for your child’s overall health and well-being. That said, dentists don’t expect children to be perfect. Cavities are extremely common, and most of us will get at least one in our lifetime. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “everything in moderation,” so you should feel free to give your child occasional candy or special treats, just as long as they’re brushing, flossing, using fluoride, getting routine dental care, and eating a healthy diet.
Cavities left untreated are painful for your child and can have a negative impact on their overall health. Not to mention, untreated cavities can cause more cavities as the infection spreads. It’s best to seek dental treatment as soon as possible and accessible to avoid any unintended consequence.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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