Why Does My Kid Keep Getting Cavities?

You limit sugary foods in your child’s diet. You help them brush and floss their teeth. But at their next dentist appointment, they have more cavities. What more can you possibly do? There are many factors that come together to cause cavities, and it’s not just diet and brushing habits.

How Cavities Form

Everything your child eats is metabolized by the bacteria in their mouth. When sugars and carbohydrates in food are not quickly removed, the bacteria feed on them, forming a substance called plaque. Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth, but if it is not removed, it will turn into tartar. Tartar erodes the enamel, creating cavities, and can only be removed by a dentist.

Factors that Contribute to Cavities

Frequent Snacking

Many snacks and beverages have high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates. Children who snack frequently are likely to get more cavities because these substances are not cleaned off and plaque builds up. To combat this, have your child drink water and brush their teeth after each meal to make sure food is removed from their teeth after eating.

Genetic Predisposition

Just like how heart disease can run in the family, some people get more cavities simply because of their genetics. If you or your partner get a lot of cavities, it’s likely that your children will too.

Dental Enamel Defects

Dental enamel is the hard, outermost layer of a tooth. Enamel defects like enamel hypoplasia can increase a person’s risk of getting cavities.

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through the mouth can reduce the flow of saliva and cause a dry mouth. This can lead to more cavities because saliva helps wash away food particles and cavity-causing bacteria.

If your child keeps getting cavities, bring them to My Ogden Dentist. We can help you figure out the reason why!