What is a Cavity?
- A cavity is caused by the destruction of tooth enamel, or the hard, outer layer of teeth. A cavity can appear as a hole in the tooth that is sometimes black (American Dental Association, n.d.c)
How Are Cavities Formed?
How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Cavities?
- Plaque and nutrition play an important role in cavity formation. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on and between teeth. When food or drinks containing sugar are consumed, the bacteria in the plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque helps keep these acids in contact with your teeth. If this plaque is not removed, a cavity can form (American Dental Association, n.d.c).
How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Cavities?
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (over 2 years old) or water (under 2 years old).
- Clean between your child's teeth daily with floss once they have two teeth touching. Decay is common between the teeth.
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
- Ask your child's dentist about using a supplemental fluoride agent.
- Consult your child's dentist about having sealants applied to the back teeth.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups.
What is Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and How Do I Protect My Child?
- The American Dental Association (ADA) defines Early Childhood Caries (ECC) as the presence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age child between birth and 71 months of age.
- The ADA recognizes that early childhood caries is a significant public health problem in selected populations and is also found throughout the general population.
- The ADA urges health professionals and the public to recognize that a child's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they begin to erupt. Early childhood caries is an infectious disease. There are many aspects of early childhood caries; baby bottle tooth decay is recognized as one of the more severe manifestations of this syndrome.