Dental Cavities in Children

Your child brushes her teeth, flosses, and uses age-appropriate mouthwash. Yet, your dentist said she had at least one cavity at her last checkup. Is this normal?

It may be common, but that doesn't mean you should ignore it. According to research published by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly a quarter of children develop cavities between the ages of two and five. Although statistics are trending downward from previous years, cavities still remain a big concern for kids.

How do cavities form, and what can we do about them? Read on for our guide to the causes of cavities, preventative measures, and cavity treatment options.

What Exactly Is a Cavity?

Cavities tend to form when bacteria in the mouth start producing acid. The stages of cavity formation include:

Demineralization: acid leeches minerals from tooth enamel
Enamel decay: acid erodes through the enamel
Dentin decay: decay reaches the soft dentin layer
Pulp decay: untreated decay reaches the tooth's pulp, causing potential pain and infection

Sometimes, what appears to be a cavity is something else entirely. Only a dentist can properly diagnose oral health problems.

Do Cavities in Baby Teeth Matter?

Baby teeth aren't permanent. If your child develops a cavity in a tooth they're going to lose, does it matter? If left untreated, cavities in baby teeth can lead to:

Painful infections
Discomfort while chewing
Speech impediments

Plus, cavities in baby teeth can have lasting effects. For example, early loss of an infected baby tooth can cause permanent teeth to grow in crooked, increasing the need for orthodontic treatment.

How Do Cavities Form in Children's Teeth?

According to Johns Hopkins, children are at an increased risk of developing cavities if they have:

High levels of oral bacteria
A diet that is high in sugar and starch
Limited access to fluoride-treated water
Low saliva flow
Poor oral hygiene

Baby teeth are considered at increased risk of developing cavities because these impermanent teeth have thinner enamel. This is why it's important to start professional oral health care early.

How Do Dentists Treat Children's Cavities?

You started out asking, "How do cavities form in children?" While cavity prevention is the first line of defense, there may come a time when cavity treatment is necessary. Here are the top three cavity treatment options your pediatric dentist may recommend.

Tooth Fillings

If your dentist catches a cavity before dentin decay occurs, you're likely looking at a small to medium-sized cavity. We can treat cavities of this size using fillings.

Fillings can stop the decay from spreading and eliminate mild oral pain. Plus, they won't hinder your child's ability to brush and floss as normal.

Dental Crowns

If a cavity has progressed and a filling isn't big enough, we may treat the tooth with a dental crown. Crowns serve as a cap that protects the tooth pulp and root and reduces sensitivity.

For visible teeth, we'll match the crown to the color of your child's tooth for a natural appearance. For rear teeth, we may opt for a lower-cost silver crown.

Tooth Extractions

We will only extract the tooth in severe cases, such as infection. We will always assess ways to preserve the tooth first.

Talk to your kids and teens about oral health concerns and how to start taking better care of their teeth to avoid severe decay and infections.

How Can Families Prevent Cavities?

Is it possible to prevent tooth decay in children? The simple answer is yes, but it takes effort and know-how. Here are some of our top tips that families can use to keep cavities at bay.

Practice Great Oral Hygiene

Build a great oral hygiene routine as soon as your toddler's first tooth erupts. Make sure to use age-appropriate toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled toothbrush.

As your child gets older, teach them great oral health methods. Use an electric toothbrush with a timer or hum a two-minute song to make brushing fun. Offer easy-to-use flossing tools until your child is at least ten years to make flossing more accessible.

Look Out for Sugary and High-Starch Foods

While you don't need to opt for a sugar-free diet to prevent cavities, it's important to moderate cavity-causing foods. This includes:

Sticky snacks like gummy candy
High-starch snacks like potato chips
Acidic drinks like soda

If your kids love these kinds of snacks, start to slowly replace them with healthy snacks. Work together to find alternatives they love, like cheese, nuts, and sliced apples.

Quench Thirst with Water

Drinking water is a great way to wash away food particles before they can damage the teeth. Encourage your kids to drink water with meals and snacks, rather than drinks that can contribute to cavity formation (like juice or soda).

Be mindful of what you're putting in your baby's bottle, as well. Try to avoid sending your little one to bed with a bottle full of formula. When they're old enough, send them to bed with water, instead.

Say Yes to Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can reverse decay in its early stages. In addition to drinking fluoride-treated water, start using fluoride products to clean your toddler's teeth around age two.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the amount of fluoride in products like toothpaste is well below the toxicity level. In these small amounts, fluoride is perfectly safe to use.

Get Children's Dental Care

As we mentioned earlier, only a dentist can diagnose oral health problems like cavities. Plus, cleanings and exams play a pivotal role in cavity prevention.

Start scheduling dental appointments for your baby when their first tooth erupts. Early treatment sets your child on the path to great oral health.

Come to Dentistry 4 Children for Friendswood Dental Care

How do cavities form in children's teeth? Cavity formation can happen at any age, especially without proper oral health care and a diet high in sugar and starch.

Dentistry 4 Children is operated by Dr. Richardson, who is board-certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Since 1996, she has devoted her career to pediatric dentistry, specializing in care for children with special needs. Book an appointment today.

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.