Want to know if your child will have to suffer from cavities? If yes, then there are several factors that you need to consider. These factors will help you evaluate the probabilities of your kid developing cavities.
Visit to the dentist
Kids who visit the dentist on a regular basis are at a lesser risk of developing the problem. The dentist can study the overall oral health of your child and suggest oral health care tips too. This ensures that any dental issue is rectified before it takes the form of a cavity. To lower the risk of cavities, your child should visit the dentist at least once every six months.
Orthodontic treatment
Kids who use braces find it difficult to clean their teeth. This increases the chances of development of plaque, which in turn leads to cavities. So, if your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, make sure that he takes extra care of his teeth.
Special needs
If your child is suffering from any kind of physical or mental impairment, then cleaning teeth would be a little difficult. This increases the chances of cavities. You can simplify dental care for your child by offering aids like electronic toothbrushes, floss holders, oral irrigators and the like.
Using baby bottle
Kids aged 3 and above who use baby bottles for constant feeding of juices and other sweet liquid are also at a higher risk of developing the problem. The teeth are constantly exposed to sugars present in the liquid, which causes tooth decay that in turn leads to cavities.
Eating habits
When it is about cavities, the way your child eats his food is also an important consideration. If your child eats two to five times in a day and does not have drinks in between, the chances of cavities are significantly reduced. When your child is constantly eating, the cavity causing bacteria is in constant action, which increases the chances of developing cavities.
Use of candies that contain Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sugar that can prevent the growth of decay. Many candy manufacturers use Xylitol for sweetening candies. Unlike other sugars, xylitol cannot be used by the bacteria in the mouth to produce acids and cause decay. If your child is eating Xylitol containing candies, then chances of cavities are lesser.
Cavities of the caregiver
If the child is under five years of age then the cavities of the caregiver are also an important consideration. Parents or caregivers who have had more cavities will have more bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is then transferred to the children, increasing their chances of cavities too.
Just because your child has a high possibility of developing cavities need not mean that he/she will have to suffer from the problem for sure. You can tackle these problems by taking necessary preventive action and keep cavities at bay.
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