From the time they’re old enough to learn to brush their teeth, kids are told they need to avoid cavities. A trip to the dentist that ends with the announcement “No cavities!” is usually rewarded. But young kids may not actually understand what cavities are and why they need to take care of their teeth to avoid them. Here’s how you can explain them to your kids and ease their worries while encouraging better oral health. 

3 Ways to Help Your Kids Understand Cavities

1. Use Kid-Friendly Language

When talking to kids about cavities, use language they will understand. Most kids aren’t going to be able to visualize plaque decaying their enamel, but they will understand “sugar bugs” chewing holes in their teeth. Be sure not to scare them—no one wants a mouth full of bugs! Just emphasize that brushing and flossing every day and seeing the dentist will keep those harmful bugs away.

2. Demonstrate

Show your kids how their teeth can decay with a simple experiment using an egg and vinegar. Place a hard-boiled egg in a covered jar filled with white vinegar. Explain that the egg is like their teeth, and the vinegar represents germs that aren’t brushed away.

Watch the egg over the next 48 hours. After 24 hours, the egg should be covered in bubbles, and when you remove the egg after 48 hours, the shell will be gone. Explain to your child that by not removing germs with brushing, their teeth can wear away like the eggshell, causing cavities. 

3. Use Kid-Friendly Visuals

Using visual aids to explain the process of tooth decay can help kids further understand how cavities form and why they should be avoided. Look online for a simple diagram that shows all the layers of the teeth and how tooth decay forms.

Or try videos. YouTube has several animated, kid-friendly videos that show how tooth decay happens, how to avoid tooth decay, and why it’s necessary to see the dentist. 

Help your kids learn healthy dental habits by bringing them to Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, where they make visits fun and comfortable. These dedicated pediatric dentists have provided comprehensive pediatric dentistry for more than 53 years. Visit their website to find out more about their services, and schedule a convenient appointment by calling (808) 593-8828.