How to Avoid Cavities in Toddlers?

Among toddlers, cavities are the most common dental problem. A cavity is a permanently damaged area in a tooth that is caused by tooth decay. Though they appear in the teeth that they are eventually going to lose, it is still necessary to take care of them.

In this blog, you will get to know about the common causes of cavities in toddlers' teeth and tips on how to prevent them.

Common Causes of Cavities in Toddlers

Cavities are often caused by the buildup of dental plaque. It eventually eats up the tooth enamel, thereby making a hole in it. Children who don't brush or floss their teeth properly are more prone to cavities. Furthermore, since they are too young to brush their teeth properly, it is the task of an adult to take care of their teeth.

However, poor dental hygiene is not the only cause of the problem of cavities. Diet also plays a primary role in it. The eating habits of your toddlers pose a high risk of cavities occurring in their teeth. 

Children love eating foods that are sweet, sugary, and starchy that are high in carbohydrates. Giving your child a bottle of milk or juice at bedtime could give rise to cavities in their teeth. The bottles remain in their mouth for an hour or sometimes even all night. It creates a breeding area for bacteria. Additionally, some toddlers are genetically prone to cavities because of their soft enamel.

Prevention Tips For Cavities in Toddlers

The best way to prevent cavities from forming on your little one's teeth is by exposing them less to decay-causing or sugary acid substances. The actions you can take are:

• Serve your child milk and juice only during mealtime and water at bedtime.  
• Add foods in their diet that are full of vitamins and minerals. Give them candies, sugary foods, and carbohydrates in a limited quantity.
• Brush their teeth every time they eat sugary food. Ensure they take proper care of their teeth daily.
• Visit your dentist with your toddler before their first birthday to clean, treat, and get advice and recommendations.

If your toddler's teeth are damaged and decayed to a greater extent, then, unfortunately, you have to visit the dentist for proper treatment. The smaller cavities are treated by fillings, crown insertions, root canals, and, the final option, tooth extractions. Hence, you are not only protecting your child's baby teeth but their adult teeth too.

Everyone's Family Dental offers comprehensive dental services at affordable prices for your whole family. Our services are available at seven locations all across Illinois and Utah. For more information and bookings, call us at (815) 847-9292. You can also book online.