No matter how thorough you are with your oral hygiene routine, chances are you’ve probably gotten a cavity once or twice, especially when you were a kid. You might try to protect your child from the anxiety of getting a cavity filled by teaching them proper brushing techniques and shielding them from an abundance of sweets. However, there are ways your child could get a cavity, even if they’re doing everything right. Here are some of the causes of cavities that most people aren’t aware of.

Why Your Kid Might Get an Unexpected Cavity

1. Eating Acidic Foods

While everyone knows sugary foods can lead to cavities, you might not know that acidic foods can be just as detrimental to your child’s oral hygiene. When you eat sugar, bacteria feeds on it to create a tooth decaying acid. Consuming acidic food makes it easier for bacterial acid to eat away at your tooth enamel. This does not mean that you have to ban acidic foods, like bread or fish, to protect your child’s teeth. What you can do is pair these foods with substances that have neutralizing properties, like bananas, oatmeal, and green vegetables. 

2. Genetics

Poor oral health can be genetic. This means that you or your child could be predisposed to have weak enamel or an abundance of bacteria in their mouth. Tell your child’s dentist if you have a family history of dental issues so that they can give your child a thorough, personalized treatment plan. 

3. Exercise

While exercise is a positive habit with a variety of health benefits, it can also affect oral health. An increased amount of activity can leave your mouth dry. Saliva is essential to preventing cavities since it neutralizes bacterial acid. The simple solution is to drink plenty of water as you exercise, but children sometimes get occupied with the fun of their activities and skip their water breaks. To ensure their mouths stay hydrated, remind them to drink plenty of water as they’re playing. 

4. Sleeping with Your Mouth Open

Similar to exercise, sleeping with your mouth open can leave teeth defenseless against bacterial acids. Since kids can’t control what they are doing while they’re asleep, you should make sure they’re keeping up with their oral hygiene. You can also talk with your doctor or pediatric dentist about underlying issues, like nasal congestion or enlarged tonsils, that might make your child sleep with their mouth open. 

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist that is patient and caring, visit Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC, located in Somerset, KY. Dr. Brandi and her team understand how intimidating the dentist can be to children. They dedicate their time to explaining their tools and procedures to your children before they start the exam. She not only provides thorough exams, but she also gives kids tips on how to maintain healthy dental habits. To read patient reviews, visit their Facebook page, or call (606) 679-5437 today to make an appointment.