A cavity is a hole in the tooth created by tooth decay. They can become painful over time and may lead to the destruction of the tooth. Cavities are caused when plaque forms on the tooth. As the plaque hardens, it causes more damage to the tooth.
So what causes plaque to form? Here are the most common culprits:
- Consuming too much sugar. The bacteria that forms plaque loves sugar. Eating sugar or drinking sugar-enhanced drinks gives those bacteria a place to thrive.
- Not brushing enough. Plaque doesn't form instantly, but needs time to set in. Brushing away plaque while it is soft can reduce your cavity risk.
- Not flossing enough. Brushing can't effectively get between teeth, so if you don't floss, plaque can form there. This is especially true if your teeth are crowded in your mouth together.
Create an environment for your child to eat well and practice good dental hygiene to reduce cavity risk and preserve their teeth for years to come.
As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.
About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years. They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.