Our 3 yr old daughter has a cavity on one of her front teeth. How could this happen. We brush and floss her teeth every day. – Amanda
Amanda – It is common for young children to get cavities. Children today have more sugar in their diets, and they tend to snack a lot. It’s not possible to brush and floss enough to combat frequent snacking because brushing and flossing don’t reach all of the susceptible areas. It is also possible for bacteria in parents’ saliva to spread to their children. Feeding the child from the parent’s spoon or sharing a toothbrush with the child can spread bacteria and lead to plaque and decay.
Family history of cavities can also make a child more prone to tooth decay. Even with diligent oral health care at home, parents—particularly those with a history of tooth decay—should bring their young children to the dentist to examine their teeth for decay.
Brushing your child’s teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, and flossing daily, can help prevent tooth decay. Also speak with your dentist for suggestions for at-home care.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.