The last thing a parent wants to hear at the dentist is that his or her kid has a bunch of cavities. Not only are fillings and additional expense, but most parents feel a certain amount of guilt when their children have cavities.
In reality, cavities are common and can pop up in children and adults even if they take very good care of their teeth.
That being said, tooth decay shouldn’t be taken lightly. Dental health is an important part of your child’s overall wellbeing.
If you get the bad news that your child has multiple cavities, you first need to get them fixed as soon as possible. Then you can start adopting healthy habits to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Where Did These Cavities Come From?
Everyone’s mouth is the home of both good and bad bacteria. Food and beverages contain acids that mix with some of the bacteria to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that sticks on and between teeth and causes cavities to form.
We get rid of a lot of the plaque when we brush and floss, but sometimes, some of it stays behind. When it stays there for too long, it will start to eat away at the tooth’s enamel, which is the hard outer layer.
Some parents assume that a child will complain of a toothache if they have a cavity. That isn’t always the case. A cavity starts out as a tiny pit in the enamel. There are no symptoms at first, but this creates an even better hiding place for plaque. If left untreated, the plaque will take hold and the cavity will grow bigger and deeper. Eventually, it can make its way all the way through to the layer beneath. The result can be a painful infection or abscess that might require a root canal procedure or even extraction.
It is important to take care of cavities as soon as they’re discovered. Getting fillings when cavities are small is a lot less painful and expensive than waiting.
Did I Do Something Wrong?
There are some common misconceptions about tooth decay in children. These myths can lead to parents feeling that their kid’s cavities are their fault. Cavities are a widespread problem that can happen to anyone. While you shouldn’t feel guilty, learning about what does and does not cause cavities can help you help your child prevent them in the future.
Does My Kid Have Cavities Because He Eats Too Much Candy?
A common joke is that dentists love Halloween because of all the cavities that will need to be filled after the annual candy feast. Candy has long been thought to “cause” cavities. If your child ends up with a bunch of cavities, you may think his sweet tooth is to blame.
Candy itself does not cause cavities, and neither do other sugary treats like cake, candy, or soda. However, plaque-producing bacteria absolutely love sugar. They feed off sugary foods, which can increase the likelihood of cavities growing.
But there are a lot of other factors at play too, for example, the length of time certain foods stay on the teeth. Certain candy might contribute to cavities more than others. A chocolate bar that melts away with saliva won’t be as bad for teeth as a caramel that can stick around for a while.
Cleaning teeth thoroughly makes a difference too. Just like any other food, as long as candy gets cleaned off the teeth, it’s not usually a problem. Letting your kid eat sweets doesn’t mean you’ve caused their cavities. As long as they don’t overdo it and brush and floss regularly, they don’t need to give up their treats entirely.
Maybe I Don’t Make My Kid Brush Enough
Some children are more prone to getting cavities than others, and it doesn’t always have anything to do with how much you make them brush. Even if you make sure they brush and floss their teeth twice a day, there’s no guarantee they won’t get cavities. That doesn’t mean it’s okay to skip it. Regular oral hygiene is essential to good dental health.
Part of the problem is that young kids aren’t always good at brushing. It’s easy for them to miss spots. And if a child’s teeth have a lot of grooves and ridges, it’s even easier to leave behind plaque. Heredity may play a role too.
The bottom line is that a child with cavities is not an indicator that their parent has done anything wrong.
What Can Parents Do About a Kid’s Cavities?
If your kid’s mouth is full of cavities, there are some things a parent can do. There are actions to take in the short-term to fix the problem. There are also some changes you can make in the future to prevent the problem from repeating.
Get Cavities Filled Right Away
First of all, you need to get your kid’s cavities fixed right away. Some children will be afraid to have the dentist fill their teeth. As a parent, it’s important to be firm about this. The longer you wait, the worse the problem can become.
Learn what’s involved in filling a cavity, so you can reassure your child and they will know what to expect. Consider finding a pediatric dentist who is used to making small children comfortable during procedures.
Step Up Your Hygiene Habits
Did you know that even babies who don’t have teeth yet need oral care? And baby teeth need to be brushed just as much as permanent teeth. The sooner you start your child on dental hygiene, the better.
Set a good example for your kids by brushing at least twice a day and flossing every night. Little ones mimic parents’ behavior, so make sure they see that dental health is important to you. Schedule dental visits twice a year, starting within six months of their first tooth coming in. If they start visiting the dentist at a young age, it will become something routine rather than scary. If you need to find a dentist, we have a search tool you can use: Find a Dentist Near Me.
Eat Healthy Foods
A balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables will help kids stay healthy in general. Foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D can help keep tooth enamel strong.
Keeping candy, soda, and other sugary treats to a minimum can help overall dental health, but remember, they don’t cause cavities directly. It’s okay to let your kids have sweets, provided they brush well afterward.
Know the Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride can be beneficial to tooth health and preventing cavities. In most parts of the country, there is plenty of fluoride in the water supply. You can supplement it by choosing toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain it.
Most dentists will include fluoride treatments for kids during regular dental checkups. If they don’t mention it, ask if it’s an option.
Consider Sealants
Dental sealants are a safe and popular option for cavity-prone kids. They are a clear coating that is painted on to the surface of the teeth. The coating fills in some of those hard to clean spots, cutting down on the chance of plaque getting in creating cavities.
Even if your child has a lot of cavities, getting sealants after they’re filled can prevent new ones.
Looking Beyond Cavities
If your dentist finds a bunch of cavities in your kid’s teeth, it’s not the end of the world. With proper dental care, the problems can be fixed. It also doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. You can move on with a better understanding of how cavities got there in the first place and how to keep them from happening again.
FAQs
What can you do for a full mouth of cavities? ›
Seeing a dentist
Many dental problems, even deep cavities, develop without any pain or other symptoms. Regular dental checkups are the best way to catch a cavity before it gets worse.
Cavities, periodontal disease, and other oral conditions are commonly associated with inadequate attention to nutrition and dental hygiene and can be signs of neglect.
Is it normal for kids to have a lot of cavities? ›Unfortunately, tooth decay is rather common in children – it is preventable with excellent oral hygiene and diet practices, however, dental caries still remains one of the most common diseases that affects children of all ages. By the age of 4, more than 1 in every 4 children has at least one cavity.
Can I fix all my cavities at once? ›How many cavities can a dentist fill at once? Most dentists will not perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically there is no limit to home many fillings can be given at a time. However, we do not recommend doing more than four at one time.
Can baking soda get rid of cavities? ›It is a good idea to use toothpaste regularly because baking soda alone does not have the ability to fight cavities. In addition, overuse of baking soda could damage the teeth.
How do you reverse cavities in children naturally? ›Yes, you can reverse a cavity if it's caught in the early stages of demineralization. To reverse a cavity at this stage, your child will need to practice good oral hygiene. They have to correctly brush their teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss every night, and reduce the amount of sugar they consume.
What happens if cavities are left untreated in kids? ›Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Untreated cavities can lead to abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results.
What happens if you don't treat kids cavities? ›If left untreated, cavities in baby teeth can cause more significant problems such as dental infections, requiring treatments like root canals. This can affect the adult teeth and cause long-term issues for your child's oral health.
How many cavities is considered neglect? ›There is no evidence to support a threshold number of caries in order to diagnose dental neglect. Common features of dental neglect include a failure to provide basic oral care (oral hygiene, proper diet, and establishment of a dental home), failure to seek treatment for oral pain, and untreated infection (Noble et al.
Will a dentist call CPS for cavities? ›Even things like cavities left too long, or long periods of improper brushing leading to severe tartar build up could lead a CPS worker to think that your kids aren't being properly parented, especially if those factors come into play with other issues as well.
How many cavities does the average child have? ›
Children ages 6 to 8 years had an average of 4 decayed or filled primary teeth in both NHANES cycles.
Why does my 8 year old have so many cavities? ›Certain types of enamel defects, such as enamel hypoplasia, may increase a child's risk of developing tooth decay. These defects can be hereditary, or they might be a result of environmental factors like low birth weight, viral and bacterial infections, or dental trauma.
How many cavities is normal for a 14 year old? ›Overall, adolescents 12 to 19 years had an average of one missing or decayed permanent tooth per child and those from families with lower incomes had more severe decay in the permanent teeth. Mexican American adolescents had an average of five missing or decayed teeth per child.
What happens if you have a lot of cavities? ›When cavities and decay become severe, you may have: Pain that interferes with daily living. Weight loss or nutrition problems from painful or difficult eating or chewing. Tooth loss, which may affect your appearance, as well as your confidence and self-esteem.
How many cavities is a lot? ›In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
What do dentists do with multiple cavities? ›If this is called for, your dentist can recommend a replacement held by a dental implant to restore your smile and dental function. Serious cavities are often treatable with dental crowns, which offer enough protection to allow you to bite and chew without concerns.
How many fillings is too many? ›There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.
Can hydrogen peroxide fix cavities? ›Hydrogen peroxide and tooth decay
Hydrogen peroxide is also able to kill these bacteria on the tooth surface, and reduce their abundance, thus reducing acid and cavities. However, hydrogen peroxide will not help remineralize teeth, an important factor in reversing tooth decay.
For some people this may seem a little odd, but washing your mouth out with a food-grade hydrogen peroxide is an excellent way to prevent cavities. Doing so will kill harmful bacteria that accumulates in your mouth much in the same way applying the anti-septic to a cut does.
What kills cavity bacteria? ›One easy way is to chew some sugar-free gum, especially gum with xylitol. Xylitol helps encourage saliva production and kills cavity causing bacteria.
When is it too late to reverse a cavity? ›
In most cases, by the time you notice the symptoms of tooth decay, it will be too late to reverse the damage with natural methods. You will need to consult your dentist to prevent the damage from spreading to other areas of the tooth.
What toothpaste is good for kids cavities? ›Colgate Floride Toothpaste Kids Cavity Protection
The Bubble Fruit flavor of this toothpaste actually tastes good compared to other toothpastes designed for children. Impressive that it is also sugar free, gluten free,has no artificial preservatives, and fights cavities.
Certain starchy foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, white bread and white pasta, get broken down into sugars while inside your child's mouth. When these starchy foods get broken down, they feed cavity-causing bacteria just as sugary foods do and can lead to tooth decay in children.
Can a cavity go away by brushing? ›A common question we receive from children and parents is, “can you brush away a cavity?” Once a cavity is fully formed in the tooth, unfortunately, it's impossible to just improve your brushing and make it go away. However, the early stages of a cavity can be reversed with good brushing habits.
How many years can you go with a cavity? ›Figuring out when a cavity needs treatment. It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.
Should a 5 year old get cavities filled? ›In short, fillings in your child's primary teeth are typically just as necessary as fillings in permanent teeth. It's essential to care for your child's primary teeth due to a diversity of reasons: Untreated cavities can cause discomfort and pain. Cavities can lead to other dental problems, including infection.
What is the number one cause of cavities in children? ›What causes tooth decay in a child? Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and other things. It can happen when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth. Such foods include milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals, and bread.
Do they numb kids for cavities? ›Children are usually numbed before the procedure starts. As such, they can feel less pain when receiving a filling and also during preparation for the fillings. Of course, they still may feel a strange sensation when water is sprayed inside their mouth and all over their teeth.
How do you treat a 7 year old with tooth decay? ›How are cavities in kids treated? A dental filling is common for toddlers and children who have one or more cavities. Fillings can take place on permanent teeth, as well as on baby teeth. During the procedure, the dentist removes the tooth decay and then fills the hole with a white composite or metal material.
Why would a dentist call CPS? ›Dentists are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect, and are therefore required to report suspected cases.
WHO has so many cavities? ›
Sugary and starchy snacks contribute to decay, and sugary drinks like cola, sweet tea, energy drinks, and sports drinks are even worse. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks to reduce your risk of cavities.
Is not brushing your kids teeth neglect? ›Insufficient dental care by parents can be seen as dental neglect and therefore is a sign of child neglect.
What are the signs of dental neglect? ›failure to seek or delay seeking dental treatment. failure to comply with or complete treatment. failure to provide basic oral care.
Are dentists always right about cavities? ›The answer is not always. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray.
Are cavities emergencies? ›The short answer to the title question is that, in the truest sense, a cavity is not a dental emergency. However, if you are experiencing dental pain in any form, you should consult our dentist for a triage consultation.
What age group gets the most cavities? ›- Nearly 90% of adults ages 20 to 64 years have had decay in their teeth, a percentage that has not changed significantly between the 1999–2004 and 2011–2016 NHANES cycles.
- Older working-age adults 50 to 64 years had the greatest prevalence of decay (96%) in both NHANES cycles.
Approximately 60 percent of tooth decay risk appears to derive from genetics, according to Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. These are some of the factors that make cavities genetic.
Can you reverse cavities? ›But as of yet, it's physically impossible. Once a tooth has a physical cavity (opening or hole) inside of it, there is no feasible way to help the enamel grow back on your own.
What foods cause cavities? ›- cakes and biscuits.
- sweets and chocolate.
- flavoured milks and yoghurts.
- sugary breakfast cereals and cereal bars.
- jams.
- fruit canned in syrup.
- sauces and syrups, such as some pasta sauces, marinades and ketchup.
- Brush the Tooth With Care. ...
- Hydration Will Help Prevent the Cavity From Worsening. ...
- A Fluoride Treatment Will Mitigate the Cavity's Progression. ...
- Saltwater Rinses Might Help. ...
- The Role of Xylitol Gum in Preventing Cavities From Worsening.
Is it normal for a 7 year old to have cavities? ›
In reality, cavities are common and can pop up in children and adults even if they take very good care of their teeth. That being said, tooth decay shouldn't be taken lightly. Dental health is an important part of your child's overall wellbeing.
Is it normal for a 12 year old to have a cavity? ›More than one-fourth of children between ages two and five suffer from tooth decay in the U.S. Half of kids between ages 12 and 15 have it. The problem has become so bad that many kids need surgery to have their numerous cavities filled.
How can I treat a cavity at home for my child? ›- Sugar-free gum. ...
- Vitamin D. ...
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste. ...
- Cut out sugary foods. ...
- Oil pulling. ...
- Licorice root.
How many cavities can a dentist fill at once? Most dentists will not perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically there is no limit to home many fillings can be given at a time. However, we do not recommend doing more than four at one time.
How many cavities can a dentist do at once? ›How many cavities can a dentist fill at once? Dentists may fill as many cavities as the patient is comfortable with having filled. With this being said, in most cases, dentists do not recommend having more than 3 cavities filled in one sitting. Your mouth needs time to heal.
Do cavities get worse with age? ›As we age, our teeth wear out and our gums can recede. These make our teeth more susceptible to cavities. Saliva production is decreased too because of several factors like lifestyle changes, dietary choices and even increased medicine intake. In fact, the majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.
How much does it cost to fix a mouthful of cavities? ›A composite resin filling will cost about $90 to $250 for one or two tooth surfaces, and about $150 to $400 for three or more surfaces. Cast-gold or porcelain fillings are the most expensive option, ranging from $250 to $4,500 for a single filling.
How long can I leave a cavity in my mouth? ›It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.
Why do I have so many cavities? ›Sugary and starchy snacks contribute to decay, and sugary drinks like cola, sweet tea, energy drinks, and sports drinks are even worse. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid sugary drinks to reduce your risk of cavities.
What does rotten teeth do to the body? ›Tooth decay does more damage than simply breaking down your teeth. It can lead to infections that can spread to the other parts of the body, it can increase your risk of heart disease and it can weaken your immune system.
Can saliva fix cavities? ›
When acid damages enamel, saliva repairs the tooth's protective surface in a process called remineralization. Calcium, phosphorous, fluoride and other minerals contained in saliva repair the enamel surfaces of teeth, keeping them healthy, strong and resistant to cavities.
How much does it cost to get a cavity pulled? ›A simple extraction without insurance costs between $75 and $250. For a surgical extraction, however, prices can go up to $300 a tooth or more. The price you pay depends on factors like your tooth's condition and the type of extraction and anesthesia you need.
Can a dentist fix a big cavity? ›Especially large cavities, or aggressive tooth decay, may require restorative treatment to save the tooth and strengthen the tooth's health and surrounding structure.
When is a cavity too big to fill? ›If the decay reaches your tooth's main structure, called dentin, then a filling can replace the lost tooth structure after your dentist has cleaned the cavity of bacteria and infection. However, if it reaches the tooth's center chamber, called the pulp, a filling may no longer suffice to address it.
How long does a cavity take to destroy a tooth? ›There's no specific timeline for how quickly a cavity can destroy a tooth. In most cases, severe damage to the tooth occurs because of years of unaddressed tooth decay. Fortunately, proper dental hygiene and regular dental checkups can save a tooth before it ever gets this bad.
How long does a cavity take to rot a tooth? ›A cavity can take anywhere from six months to five years to develop before it requires treatment. The wide range here is influenced by the conditions in a person's mouth, including their hygiene, diet, and genetic factors. The area where the cavity is forming can also influence the rate at which it develops.
How many cavities does the average kid have? ›Children ages 6 to 8 years had an average of 4 decayed or filled primary teeth in both NHANES cycles.
Is it normal to have 6 cavities? ›In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
What makes cavities worse? ›The worst thing you can do to your cavity faces exposure to acid. Do not consume sugary beverages or foods after you find out you have a cavity. Cavities that result from acid-generating bacteria will only continue to expand if surrounded by the acid in sugar.
What is the cheapest way to fix rotten teeth? ›Dental Implants
A dental implant is the cheapest way to fix teeth after an injury, cavities, or rotten teeth. In addition, this method of tooth replacement is long-lasting. This is because your replaced tooth is on a strong foundation.
Can rotten teeth affect your brain? ›
Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious health problems, including brain or heart infections.
What does a rotten tooth smell like? ›Tooth decay creates a sulphurous or bad smell due to the enamel and dentine being broken down. As the bacteria consume these substances, they release a gas into your mouth that creates the unpleasant odour that occurs with cavities and rotten teeth.