A Pediatric Dentist Discusses Whether Child Tooth Decay is Completely Preventable

Cavities and tooth decay in children are far more common in children than many people realize. Some parents accept cavities in childhood as normal. By the age of four, more than one in every four children has at least one cavity — many children have more. The number of children who have a cavity by age 11 increases to almost half. It is not unheard of for cavities to develop almost as soon as teeth first erupt.

Children are prone to cavities without regular oral care. The enamel layer on baby teeth is thinner than on permanent teeth. When food sits on baby teeth, bacteria can grow and create an acidic environment in the mouth. Tooth decay can happen very quickly.

What children drink plays a major role in dental health. Babies who go to sleep with a bottle can develop cavities almost as quickly as the baby teeth erupt. Giving kids fruit juices and sodas also creates a sugary and acidic environment. Losing baby teeth because of cavities and decay can affect how permanent teeth grow. Cavities and tooth decay in baby teeth can also be very painful for children and cause speech and chewing difficulties.