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The Most Common Myths About Cavities in Children

close-up of a human rotten carious tooth at the treatment stage in a dental clinic
close-up of a human rotten carious tooth at the treatment stage in a dental clinic. The use of rubber dam system with latex scarves and metal clips, production of photopolymeric composite fillings

Approximately 52% of children aged 6 to 8 years have cavities. These are common in both baby teeth and permanent teeth.

Cavities happen when a tooth’s enamel starts to deteriorate. They continue to be challenging to treat in young children due to their small size. And it may be traumatic for them to have their teeth drilled.

Believe it or not, there are quite a few myths about cavities in children that aren’t accurate. In this article, you’ll learn how to quash the myths about cavities in children today.

1. Cavities Are Not 100% Preventable

Tooth cavities are often thought of as a childhood affliction. But they are 100% preventable.

Dentists recommend that children get sealants on their molars as soon as they erupt. This will help them prevent cavities.

Good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing, is also vital for cavity prevention. Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can also help reduce the risk of cavities.

2. Cavities Are Only Caused by Sugar

While sugar is a significant contributor to cavities, it is not the only factor. Other factors include acidic drinks, sticky foods, poor oral hygiene, and mouth breathers.

Acidic drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, can erode the enamel on your teeth and lead to cavities. Sticky foods, like candy and dried fruit, can get stuck in your teeth and lead to decay.

Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly, can also cause cavities. Also, those who are used to breathing through their mouths are more likely to get them. They are more likely to have dry mouth, leading to plaque build-up.

3. Only Children Get Cavities

This is not true! They can happen to people of any age. They are caused by bacteria that live in your mouth and feed on sugars. These bacteria make acid that attacks the teeth and causes cavities.

Everyone has bacteria in their mouth, so everyone is at risk. Children are especially susceptible to them because their teeth are still developing. Their enamel is not as strong as adults.

4. Cavities Are Only a Cosmetic Problem

They are often considered a cosmetic problem, only affecting the appearance of teeth. However, they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If cavities are not treated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause infection.

5. Cavities Are Painful

Most child cavities do not cause any pain at all. This is because they are usually only painful when they become large enough to irritate the nerves inside the tooth. But, even small cavities can be painful if they are located in a sensitive tooth area, such as the front teeth.

When this happens, seeing a dentist is vital. Versailles Family Dentistry can help ease the pain caused by cavity damage.

A Versailles dentist can get the cavity filled through top-of-the-line dental procedures for your children and ensure a wonderful dental experience for them.

6. Cavities Are Only Temporary

They are often thought of as a temporary issue you must deal with. However, they can last a lifetime if they are not properly treated.

While cavities in children may not be as severe as those in adults, they can still cause significant pain and discomfort. They can lead to more severe problems such as tooth loss and infection.

7. Cavities in Children Are Contagious

Most people believe they are contagious and that if one person in a family has them, the rest of the family will get them too. This is not true! They are not contagious.

They are caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. This sticky film of bacteria forms on the teeth and gums.

If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. A dentist can only remove this safely.

8. You Can’t Get Cavities From Baby Teeth

Most parents believe their children cannot get them in their baby teeth because they are temporary. This is, unfortunately, not the case. Cavities can form in baby teeth just as they can in adult teeth.

9. Fillings Are the Only Way to Treat Cavities

There are a few common misconceptions about cavity treatment. One of the most prevalent myths is that fillings are the only way to treat them. This simply isn’t true.

There are other options available that can be just as effective. Dental sealants are often used to prevent cavities from forming in the first place. This is particularly effective in children.

If sealants aren’t an option or have already formed, other treatment options are still available. This includes fluoride therapy or even dental crowns.

10. Cavities Only Happen to People Who Don’t Brush Their Teeth

They are often thought to only happen to people who don’t brush their teeth. This is not always the case. It can happen to anyone, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.

The most significant factor in someone getting them is how much sugar they consume. The more sugar someone eats, the more likely they are to get cavities.

Another factor is the type of toothbrush someone uses. If a toothbrush is too abrasive, it can damage the enamel on teeth. This makes them more susceptible to cavities.

11. You Can Wait on Flossing

One of the most common myths about cavities in children is that parents need to wait until their children’s teeth have fully grown before brushing. However, this is not the case! It is crucial to start teaching children to brush their teeth as soon as they get their first tooth. This will help to prevent cavities from forming in the future.

Dismissing the Myths About Cavities

Cavities in children are 100% preventable. You can help your child avoid them by following a few simple steps. Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day and floss once daily.

Encourage them to eat healthy foods and avoid sugary drinks. Schedule regular dental checkups so you can professionally clean your child and your teeth. With your help, your child can have a healthy smile.

Do you want to see more helpful tips you can use right now? Feel free to explore more of our blogs today!

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