Who is Responsible for My Child’s Cavities?

Cavities in children are common. As children, they are building the habits of good oral hygiene and exploring new foods. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria in the mouth, not cleaning your teeth well, drinking sugary drinks, and frequently snacking. Other factors that contribute to cavities include genetics, oral hygiene, and diet. Some of these things are controllable by you as a parent while others are out of your control. So, the answer about whether the cavities are your fault is both yes and no. It all depends on your unique circumstances.

The oral hygiene of your child is something that you can control. If your child is not brushing their teeth enough, you should be urging them to brush in the morning, before bed, and after every meal. This will help keep their teeth clean. Also scheduling regular dental exams, flossing daily, and using mouthwash are important in maintaining good oral hygiene. You can also carefully select the foods and drinks that your child consumes. Choose foods and drinks that are healthy and not full of sugar. Genetics plays a role in cavities too. If mom and dad have a history of poor dental health, your child likely will too. This is something that is simply out of your control. However, even this can be fixed a little. As a parent, do not share your food or utensils with your children, and make sure you are also visiting the dentist regularly.

 Contact Us Today for Pediatric Dental Care!

Around The World Pediatric Dentistry provides pediatric dental care to the Greenwich, CT area. You must help your child build good oral hygiene from a young age. This will help prevent cavities, boost their self-confidence, and improve their overall health. One simple way you can keep cavities from forming in your child’s mouth is through routine visits to your local dentist’s office. They will check for warning signs of potential dental health concerns and clean their teeth. Contact us today to schedule your child’s dental exam and cleaning!