Although the proper brushing of teeth provides the main defense against cavities, proper brushing alone in many cases does not adequately guard against the formation of cavities. As a pediatric dentist, I see children who exhibit good home care and still develop cavities while other children who do not have as good home care are cavity free. How is this difference possible? The Diet.
Foods with high sugar content are not the only problem. Those foods made up of complex carbohydrates, such as cookies and cake, are converted into acids in the mouth that damage the tooth enamel and cause a cavity. The frequency, or amount of times during the day, that children eat foods that can cause cavities will increase the risk of developing cavities. Since children need to snack between meals, it is better to chose from healthy foods such as fresh vegetables, yogurts and cheese rather than cavity forming foods.
Another reason why some children do not develop cavities is exposure to fluoride in the drinking water, as vitamin supplements and in the toothpaste. Also, the saliva may have high levels of antibodies which fight the bacteria that cause cavities.
Good oral hygiene habits, watching your child’s diet, using fluoridated toothpaste and regular dental visits will help prevent cavities from forming.