How Many Cavities Are Normal for Children?

Does your child frequently develop new cavities? Tooth decay is incredibly common. In fact, it is the most common chronic disease in children. That begs the question: is it normal for your child to get lots of cavities? How many is too many? Continue reading to learn more about childhood tooth decay and some steps you can take to prevent them from occurring in the future.

What Is the Average Amount of Cavities for a Child

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, approximately 20% of children under the age of 5 and 50% of children aged 6-11 are affected by tooth decay. Cavities are a common occurrence, but there isn’t a “normal” number of cavities to have. Genetics can play a role, but most of the time cavities are related to environmental factors and oral care. For the most part, it is something that we have control over. The cause of cavities is the bacteria in the mouth that produce enamel-eroding acids when they feed on sugar and starches in the mouth.

How to Prevent Your Child from Getting Cavities

The vast majority of cavities are preventable. Here are some steps you should take to reduce your child’s probability of developing cavities:

• Limit Sugary Treats: Having a sugary treat on occasion isn’t usually an issue. However, having too many sugary and starchy foods gives harmful bacteria in the mouth more fuel, increasing your child’s risk of cavities. Be mindful of the number of sugary and starchy foods you are buying.
• Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Your child should brush their teeth twice a day with anticavity toothpaste. Help them floss their teeth once a day too to remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline. Alcohol-free mouthwash is also a great option for older children (over the age of 6). Make sure to closely follow the instructions on the bottle and always supervise your children when they clean their smiles.
• See a Pediatric Dentist: Children’s smiles are constantly growing and changing, so it’s important that a pediatric dentist monitors them. This way, if a cavity or another issue arises, it can be treated as early as possible, save you and your child time, discomfort, and money. During their professional cleaning, their hygienist will remove plaque that has been left behind, leaving them with a squeaky-clean smile.

Cavities are common but also easy to prevent. By using the steps listed above, you can help your child stay cavity-free!

About the Author

Dr. Maggie Davis is an experienced Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who has been working in the field for more than a decade. She is a proud Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child at her office in Palm Harbor, visit her website or call (727) 786-7551.