Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Reading time: four minutes.
It’s tough to keep track of all the little things kids need—and their dental health might not always be at the top of the list.
One big reason why parents or caregivers may avoid regular dental visits is the cost. But you’ll be happy to know that all of our locations accept Medicaid! So if it’s been awhile since your child has visited the dentist, or if they have never visited the dentist-reach out to us today!In this blog, we explain how cavities form and how you can stop them before they start!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
To stop a cavity from growing, ensure your child brushes their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flosses daily to remove food particles and plaque. Schedule regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings. Regular appointments allow your dentist to catch any issues early and provide preventive treatments.
How Cavities Start (and Stick Around)
A cavity is a little troublemaker that doesn’t show up overnight. Here is how cavities form:
- The sugar factor: When your child eats sugary foods or starchy snacks, tiny food particles stick around on their teeth.
- The plaque party: These leftover food bits attract bacteria, which love to feast on sugar. They then form a sticky layer on the teeth called ‘plaque’.
- Acid attacks: As bacteria feast, they release acids that attack tooth enamel (the outer layer that protects teeth). Over time, these “acid attacks” break down enamel, starting the slow path to decay.
- The cavity forms: If not caught in time, the decay digs deeper, reaching nerves and blood vessels. At this point, you may see dark spots on teeth, and your child might feel pain or sensitivity to cold foods.
Early Signs of Tooth Decay
So, how do you know if your child has the beginnings of a cavity? Here are some clues to watch for:
- White spots: The first signs of decay often look like chalky white spots on teeth, which mean minerals are being lost.
- Dark or black spots: Visible dark spots indicate the cavity has progressed.
- Tooth sensitivity: Does your child wince when eating ice cream? Cold sensitivity can be an early sign of decay.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath could mean there is decay or plaque buildup.
If you notice signs of tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. The earlier you catch a cavity, the better!
Simple Steps for Cavity Prevention
Now that you know how the enemy operates, here is how you can protect your child’s teeth.
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is like armor for tooth enamel, so be sure your child is brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Remind them to spit after brushing.
- Rinse with water after meals: A quick swish with water after eating helps clear away food particles and acids, reducing the risk of cavities.
- Cut down on sugary drinks and sugary foods: Limit sugary drinks and snacks to cut down on fuel for cavity-causing bacteria.
- Daily flossing: Flossing removes plaque and food from between teeth. For small mouths, floss sticks are super helpful!
- Chew xylitol gum: Xylitol gum is a natural cavity-fighter. When your child chews it, it helps reduce the bacteria that can cause cavities.
Check out this blog post for tips on how to teach your child to floss: Teach Kids the Right Way to Floss: A Guide for Parents
Building Healthy Habits
Healthy habits do not have to feel like a chore. Here are some practical tips for cavity prevention that can fit easily into your family’s routine:
- Offer water often: Water helps rinse away sugars and keeps the mouth moist, which reduces cavity risk. Tap water is best if it contains fluoride! Make sure your child has their own water bottle to take to school.
- Serve dairy snacks: Foods like cheese and milk help increase saliva production and strengthen teeth with minerals.
- Consider a fluoride rinse or treatment: Ask your dentist about fluoride rinses or professional fluoride treatments for added protection.
- Make dental check-ups routine: Regular visits can catch cavities before they get serious and are a lot more affordable than emergency dental treatments.
Prevention Through Professional Treatments
Do not wait for that tiny cavity to become a costly problem. Dentists offeraffordable, effective ways to protect your child’s teeth:
- Professional fluoride treatments: A dentist can apply a fluoride gel or fluoride mouthwash that provides strong protection against decay.
- Dental sealants: Sealants create a protective layer over the chewing surfaces, blocking food and plaque from settling into hard-to-reach grooves.
- Regular dental cleanings: A professional cleaning removes plaque buildup, making it harder for bacteria to set up shop on your child’s teeth.
Check out this blog for 6 Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children.
Regular Visits to a Pediatric Dentist in Denver
At Youth Dental in Denver, we proudly accept Medicaid, making quality dental care accessible to all families.
We believe that every child deserves excellent dental care. Our team of pediatric dentists is trained to work with children, ensuring they receive the attention and care they need to maintain optimal oral health.To book an appointment at our dental office in Denver, call (303) 825-2295 or complete the online inquiry form! If you are in the area, stop by and say hello—we are located at 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204.
