Why Does my Child Have Cavities?

Often, adults experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.  As dental professionals, we reason that the anxiousness is a result of the fear of the unknown.  Patients fear that they will receive bad news; like the need for a crown, hear news that they have a cavity, or learn they don’t have proper oral hygiene practices.  Children feed off this and see adults as their example.  As the dentist Cumberland families trust with family dentistry services for their children’s smiles, let us put your mind at ease.  Cavities can often be avoided and simple routines can be changed when regular appointments are scheduled.  However, sometimes, cavities still pop up.  So why does your child or you have cavities?

Certain beverages can make your child have cavities

Many types of beverages lead to cavities.  Our Cumberland dentist most often sees cavities in children and adults who drink milk, juices, and soda on a daily basis.  While milk is healthy for us, so is brushing teeth.  Remove the sugars of juices or milk by brushing their teeth or instructing them to brush if they are older.  Soda is another cause of cavities.  The sugars that adhere to your teeth after every sip you take sit on teeth for 20 minutes or more.  Sugars in soda react with the bacteria in your mouth and prompt tooth decay.

Sweets and Candies

Children love getting their hands on sweets, as do the rest of us.  A treat once in a while is fun, provided it is followed with brushing and flossing.  However, your child will get cavities if the treats are consumed every day or multiple times a day without a good oral hygiene routine.  Eliminate unnecessary processed sugars and suggest fruits and vegetables as a daily snack for your family. 

Reduce the Risk

If you or your child are sneaking treats or drinking too many sugary beverages, try replacing them with healthy choices.  A special reward with a fun cereal for the family or a night at the local ice cream shop is much more enjoyable when sporadic.  Still, remember our Cumberland dentist encourages regular brushing and flossing as well as visits to our office.  With proper attention, you won’t have to ask why do I or my child have cavities?’  You’ll, instead, be celebrating a great smile.

Learn more about our Cumberland dentist office at our Facebook page or by setting up a consultation to see how we can help your family receive the best oral health care in the Cumberland area.