Cavities in Children: Protecting Your Little One’s Smile at Smiles4Children

Tooth decay, or cavities, is the most common chronic childhood disease—even more common than asthma! Any child, regardless of age, can develop cavities, and they often form on baby teeth. We know that keeping your child’s smile healthy is your top priority. That’s why we at Smiles4Children are proud to be your trusted Kids dentist near Columbia.

Cavities are created when the bacteria naturally present in the mouth consume sugars from food and drinks, turning them into acid. This acid then works to break down the tooth structure. The more frequent these acid attacks are, the higher the chance that a cavity will form on a tooth.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Cavities can begin to form as soon as a tooth erupts. Just like in adult teeth, cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, and the discomfort can impact a child’s eating and overall health.

While it’s true that baby teeth will eventually fall out, many of them are in your child’s mouth for a long time. For example, baby molars typically aren’t lost until around 10–12 years old! Baby teeth also act as essential placeholders for the permanent adult teeth. If a baby tooth has to be removed early due to decay, the surrounding teeth may drift into the empty space. This can lead to future crowding and costly orthodontic issues.

Choosing Smiles4Children means you’re choosing a specialized Kids dentist near Columbia who understands these unique developmental needs.

Practical Ways to Prevent Cavities

Preventing cavities starts at home with great habits. Here are several effective ways to keep your child cavity-free:

• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Save sugary snacks and drinks for special occasions only, like birthday parties or holidays.
• Ditch the Sugar as a Reward: Don’t use candy or sweet treats to reward good behavior. Try small toys, stickers, or extra playtime instead.
• Clean Pacifiers Properly: Always rinse a dropped pacifier with water—never with your mouth! Also, never put honey or any other sweet liquid on a pacifier.
• Promote Water: Encourage your children to drink plain water between meals and throughout the day.

Regular check-ups and cleanings are the most powerful tool in our cavity-prevention arsenal. To ensure your child’s oral health is on the right track from the very start, schedule an appointment with a trusted Kids dentist near Columbia like us.

At Smiles4Children, our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable, fun, and educational experience for every child. We look forward to seeing your family!

Ready to book your child’s next visit? Contact your favorite Kids dentist near Columbia—Smiles4Children—today! Don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram!