Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities? (It’s Not Just About Brushing)

As a parent, you may find yourself puzzled and frustrated when your child continues to develop cavities despite your best efforts to maintain good oral hygiene. While brushing is a very important factor in prevention of cavities, there are several other factors.

Understanding these factors can help you take a more comprehensive approach to your child's preventive dental care, increasing the ability to maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile.

Understanding the Causes of Cavities

Our pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs loves to say that there are three big categories when it comes to prevention of cavities.

Oral Hygiene: 

• Brushing twice per day - especially important at night. When we are asleep, our bodies slow down the production of saliva. Saliva is very protective for our teeth (Reduces the acidity of food/drinks before it touches our teeth). It is highly beneficial to ensure your child has completely clean teeth before going to sleep.

• Flossing once per day - many parents do well staying consistent with brushing their child’s teeth. But after that wrangling, flossing is usually out of the question. Many times, kids end up with cavities of all their back teeth simply from cavities that developed in between the teeth. 

• Toothpaste - it is recommended that you’re utilizing a fluoride containing toothpaste to further reduce the chance of developing cavities - but make sure to use the correct amount. If your child is under 3 years old, place a smear/rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on the toothbrush. If your child is older than 3 years old, place a pea-sized amount on.

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Diet: Your child’s diet is a significant factor in their risk for cavities. 

• It is recommended to minimize added sugars. This is different from natural sugars that would be present in things like fruits. Total sugar intake as well as frequency of sugar exposure plays an important part.

• Reducing sticky carbohydrates is also beneficial. Although not traditionally thought of as sweet, foods like crackers and pretzels can still contribute to cavities because they easily get stuck and remain in the grooves of your child’s teeth. 

• Minimizing acidic drinks like soda and juice. Not only does the sugar level relate to cavity risk but also the acidity (pH) level of the drink. Acidic drinks can cause demineralization of tooth structure.

• This does not mean that your child cannot have these foods. Reducing their cavity risk is a balance between what you fed them and how hard you have to work to brush it out that night.

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Genetics: Some children are more or less predisposed to cavities due to their genetic makeup. There are many related genetic factors, some examples are:

• Anatomy - Everyone has different variations of tooth anatomy. Some people have deeper pits and grooves and some people have extra or additional pits and grooves. This leads to more nooks and crannies. 

• Tooth structure - Teeth can be underdeveloped. The integrity of the tooth structure can be compromised, leading to weaker tooth structure which is more prone to cavities or even will crumble on itself.

• Oral microbiome - The bacteria that lives in your mouth varies from person to person and has a significant impact on your oral health. Some people have bacteria that are more likely to cause tartar and some have bacteria that are more likely to cause cavities. Babies are born with sterile mouths and the oral microbiome that develops in a child is mostly related to that of their primary caregiver.
• pH - the acidity level in your mouth dictates cavity risk as well. If your child has a more acidic default statusIt is influenced by external things like soda and juice.

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By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to protect your child's teeth beyond just brushing.

The Role of Saliva

Saliva is a natural defense against cavities, as it helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Increases and decreases in saliva production are related to cavity risk.

Hydrating with water and even chewing sugar-free or xylitol gum can help stimulate salivary production. 

Mouth breathing and certain medications can reduce saliva flow, so it's important to discuss these with your child's dentist to determine if they might be affecting oral health.

Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

Regular visits to the dentist are crucial in preventing cavities and catching any potential issues early. Professional cleanings and examinations allow the dentist to remove plaque buildup and identify areas of concern before they develop into larger problems. Plus, dentists can provide personalized advice tailored to your child's specific needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to dental care.

Make sure to schedule dental appointments at least twice a year to keep your child's smile healthy and bright.

Fluoride and Sealants: Additional Protective Measures

Fluoride is a powerful tool in the fight against cavities, as it helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Fluoride does this by being incorporated in the exterior of your tooth structure as fluorapatite. This is as opposed to the natural hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite demineralizes or breaks down when the pH/acidity level drops below 5.5. Fluorapatite demineralizes or breaks down when the pH/acidity level drops below 4.5, which is about a 10x increased level of protection.

Dental sealants are another effective measure, especially for children. These protective coatings are applied to the grooves/pits of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. Sealants can significantly reduce the risk of decay and are a worthwhile investment in your child's oral health. Think of sealants as caulk or grout for those hard to clean grooves.

Schedule Your Child's Dental Appointment in Colorado Springs

At Campfire Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the unique challenges of maintaining your child's oral health. Our team, led by Dr. Dan Hoang, is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care tailored to you and your child's needs. If you're in Colorado Springs, CO, and are concerned about your child's cavities, call us at (719) 490-8881 to schedule an appointment. Let us help you ensure your child's smile remains healthy and vibrant!