“How did my child get a cavity?” is a common question asked by parents when their dentist informs them that one of their children needs a filling. In spite of significant advances in oral health for both children and adults over the past years, studies surprisingingly show that children continue to have the same number of cavities today as kids did 20 years ago. In fact, more than 40% of all children have cavities before they reach kindergarten and it seems almost every time parents are surprised at the news.

What can parents do to beat these odds and help their children have optimal oral health? Diet is the place to begin. Most people think that sugar causes cavities. Bacteria is actually the source of the cavity – but everyday things children eat like pop, raisins, crackers, cookies, candy (really anything that sticks to teeth) provide the food for the bacteria. Then the byproduct of the bacteria, after it digests the carbohydrates, creates an acid environment that leads to tooth decay. Limiting those types of foods is the first source of defense.

Oral hygiene is equally as important as diet. Brushing and flossing is critical, but the timing of the brushing is also key. Brushing and flossing at night is critical because the flow of saliva is significantly decreased while sleeping. Food that remains on teeth over night has nothing present to counteract the acid created by the bacteria – and so the environment for tooth decay is ideal. Going to bed without brushing and flossing is fighting a losing battle against cavities.

Another point about diet is the frequency of snacking. More frequent snacking causes the environment in the mouth to be more cavity friendly. Frequent drinking of pop, juices and even sugar free pop promotes cavities in children – and adults.

Sealants help prevent cavities in the crevices of the teeth, but they don’t change a child’s diet or brushing and flossing habits. They help prevent cavities by making the teeth more cleansible and by blocking the entry of some bacterial by products, but the areas between teeth are still cavity prone even when sealants are applied.

Along with diet, oral hygiene, and the application of sealants, one of the most important things parents can do to keep their children from having cavities is to begin regular dental check ups at 12 months of age. Early check ups allow the child to become familiar with the office before any dental works needs to be done and allows their dentist to identify children who are at high risk for early cavities. With these risks identified, the dentist can work with parents to avoid costly and sometimes unnecessary pain and displeasure by educating parents and children on oral health.

Many parents may be surprised that the recommendation is to bring children in as young as one years old.