Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?

If your child keeps getting cavities, it can be frustrating — especially when you feel like you’re doing the right things at home.

The answer is not always simply that a child needs to brush better. Cavities develop through a combination of factors, and some children have a higher risk of tooth decay than others.

Understanding why your child is getting cavities can help you and your dentist build a prevention plan based on your child’s actual risk rather than simply treating one cavity after another.

Why Are Some Children More Prone to Cavities?

Tooth decay develops when cavity-causing bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates such as sugars and starches, susceptible teeth and enough time come together.

A child’s cavity risk can be affected by several things at once:

A history of cavities is itself important information because children who have already experienced decay may be at greater risk for developing additional cavities.

If you are unsure whether your child may already have another cavity, read
Does My Child Have a Cavity? Signs Parents Should Watch For.

Could Snacking Be Part of the Problem?

Parents often focus on how much sugar a child eats, but how often teeth are exposed to sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates also matters.

Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day can repeatedly expose teeth to conditions that favor tooth decay.

That does not mean children can never have something sweet. It means that eating and drinking patterns are worth discussing when cavities keep returning.

Is My Child Brushing Well Enough?

Children may brush every day and still miss areas of their teeth.

Young children generally need hands-on help from an adult, and older children may still need supervision until they can consistently brush thoroughly on their own.

Pay particular attention to the gumline, back teeth and areas where food and plaque tend to remain. Flossing also becomes important where neighboring teeth touch and a toothbrush cannot adequately clean between them.

Does Fluoride Make a Difference?

Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to acid attacks involved in the cavity process.

For many children, brushing with an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste is an important part of cavity prevention. Depending on a child’s individual risk, a dentist may also recommend professional fluoride treatment.

The right preventive plan should be based on your child’s age, dental history and cavity risk rather than assuming every child needs exactly the same approach.

For more information, read
Does My Child Need Fluoride Treatment?

Could Dental Sealants Help?

The chewing surfaces of back teeth can have pits and grooves where plaque and food collect and where brushing may be more difficult.

Dental sealants create a protective barrier over susceptible chewing surfaces and can be an important preventive option for children whose teeth are at risk for decay.

Read
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

What If My Child Already Has Another Cavity?

Finding another cavity does not mean you have failed as a parent. It means it is time to look at the entire picture: where the decay is occurring, how quickly it appears to be progressing and what risk factors may be contributing.

If a cavity is found in a baby tooth, treatment is not automatically the same for every child or every tooth. The dentist should consider the extent of the decay, symptoms, the tooth involved and other clinical factors before recommending treatment.

Read
Does My Child Really Need a Filling in a Baby Tooth?

How Can We Help Prevent the Next Cavity?

When a child repeatedly develops cavities, prevention should become more individualized.

Your dentist may recommend changes involving home care, fluoride exposure, eating and drinking habits, dental sealants or the frequency of preventive dental visits.

The goal is not simply to keep repairing teeth. It is to identify your child’s risk factors and reduce the chance of new decay whenever possible.

If you’re wondering how frequently your child should be examined, read
How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?

Children’s Dental Care at Cedar Hills Dental Care

Cedar Hills Dental Care provides family dentistry for children and adults near Beaverton. Our practice has served the community since 1986 and has cared for more than 10,000 smiles.

Christine Chin, DMD brings more than 35 years of dental experience and is an Oregon Health & Science University-educated dentist. Our approach emphasizes comfortable, compassionate and non-judgmental dental care.

If your child keeps developing cavities, we can evaluate their teeth, discuss possible risk factors and help you understand which preventive steps may be appropriate.

Learn more about our
Dental Care for Children
and our growing collection of resources for parents.

Further Reading for Parents

If your child is getting cavities or may be at higher risk for tooth decay, these Cedar Hills Dental Care articles may also help:

• Does My Child Have a Cavity? Signs Parents Should Watch For
• Does My Child Really Need a Filling in a Baby Tooth?
• Does My Child Need Fluoride Treatment?
• Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
• How Often Should Kids Go to the Dentist?