Kids Cavities: What to Do When Your Kid Gets Their First Cavity

If you’re a parent reading this blog in a panic because your child got their first cavity, try not to stress too much. Your child isn’t alone: more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have at least one cavity in their baby (or primary) teeth.

You work hard to ensure your children practice good oral hygiene, such as helping them brush and floss their teeth daily and watching what they eat, especially avoiding sugary snacks. Occasionally, despite a parent’s best efforts, a child can get a cavity.

The best thing you can do in this instance is:

• Make them feel comfortable for their first dentist appointment

• Stay positive

• Make dental hygiene fun to prevent future cavities

What Causes Cavities in Kids?

Any kid, from babies to toddlers to young adults, can get a cavity. Some parents think that because baby teeth will fall out, they don’t have to bother with a filling, but this is untrue.

A cavity that’s allowed to grow can damage the jaw bone, and the jawline is important for holding the permanent tooth in place.

What Causes Cavities in Babies?

Cavities are caused by sugar and bacteria that live in the mouth. 

Bacteria in the mouth convert the sugar in foods and drinks, including breast milk, into acid that eats away at the hard outer layer (enamel) of teeth. Falling asleep while nursing or using a bottle can trap milk in your baby’s mouth, allowing it to pool around their teeth.

What Causes Cavities in Toddlers?

Children can’t brush well on their own until they are around 6 years old, which can leave food behind on the teeth. It’s best for an adult to brush their child’s teeth or supervise their brushing until they’re old enough to do a good job on their own.

What Causes Cavities in Young Kids?

Once kids are old enough to brush on their own, sometimes they just aren’t doing the best job. This isn’t a big deal, it’s still a learning process for them!

Cavities can form if plaque and food particles aren’t removed from between the teeth because often kids aren’t flossing or don’t floss often enough. Flossing can be difficult for children, so parents should assist them with this important step.

Also, keep in mind that good dental hygiene includes regular dental checkups. You should schedule dental appointments for your children on the same schedule that adults do: every 6 months.

Make Sure They’re Comfortable for Their First Appointment

A visit to the dentist will be overwhelming for some children. Think about the last time you were confronted with a big project you knew nothing about. How much better did you feel when someone explained the process to you? The same applies to how your child will feel at their first appointment.

The sight of the chair and all the devices may be intimidating and a little scary. It’s important to have a dentist who is gentle and can explain what’s going on in a language that your young child can understand. Let them ask questions and be curious!

Stay Positive Even Though They Got a Cavity

You can spend all day wondering if you’re to blame for your child’s cavity or if your child wasn’t doing a good enough job taking care of their teeth.

The real answer, however, is that today’s diets are high in sugar. These sweet substances erode the enamel on the teeth, so despite our best efforts, cavities are sometimes bound to happen.

Don’t Be Nervous

The dentist can sometimes be scary (for both the child and the parent). Try to stay positive and don’t make a big deal about it, your child can sense your nervousness, and they may begin to feel that anxiety themselves.

Rewards Are Okay!

Giving your child some praise for being brave or even offering them a small reward after their appointment can be a great way to get them through it without too much fuss. This can help them realize that going to the dentist isn’t so bad.

Make Future Dental Hygiene Fun

Now that you’ve completed the tough part (and it really wasn’t that bad, was it?), you can start talking with your child about how we keep our teeth cavity-free in the future. 

Make brushing and flossing fun for them! Here are a few ideas:

• Try listening to a 2-minute song to help keep your children brushing for the recommended amount of time.
• Let your child pick out a fun new toothbrush they like with their favourite colours or characters.
• Children’s flossers are made for their small mouths and sensitive gums. Using age-appropriate products can help young children develop a positive relationship with oral health and get them used to daily flossing.
• Lead by example! Kids love to do what their older family members are doing, so brush your teeth together! Modelling good oral hygiene habits for your child is one of the most powerful things you can do as a parent.

If you think your child might have a cavity, book an appointment with South Bolton Dental. We’ve worked with lots of kids and know how to make sure they’re comfortable and happy. We believe the dentist should be a positive experience, not a scary one.