Explaining Cavities to Your Child

If it seems like your child is always getting cavities, you’re not alone. Afamily dentist in Foley, AL, sees lots of kids who just can’t seem to stop getting cavities. Of course, a lot of it has to do with kids eating too much sugar. But some people are naturally more prone to developing cavities, too. One thing that you can do to help improve your child’s oral health is to sit down with your child and explain cavities to them. Here are some tips to consider.

Explain What Cavities Are

The word cavity simply means a hole. So, a cavity is a hole in the surface of the tooth. Teeth aren’t supposed to have holes in them, and cavities develop because of bad bacteria. So if you can get your child to understand that the bacteria eat holes in the teeth, that may be enough of an “ick” factor to make your child think twice about eating candy!

Read About Cavities

There are some really cute kids’ books about cavities and going to the dentist. Pick out a few from your local bookstore and read them together with your child. Try to make this a fun time rather than having it feel like a lesson. At the end of the book, ask your child if they have any other questions.

Ask Your Dentist to Help

At your child’s next dentist visit, ask the dental assistant if they have any props that can help explain cavities to your child. A lot of times, there will be visual aids that help kids to see exactly what’s happening inside the mouth when a cavity develops.

Explain Why Cavities Are Bad

Explain why cavities are bad for their teeth in a gentle way. You might say something along the lines of, “Cavities can make your teeth hurt, especially when you eat or drink something cold, hot, or sweet. If a cavity gets bigger, it can make it hard to chew your food and can even make your tooth sick. That’s why we need to keep our teeth clean and healthy.”

Make sure your child knows that theirdentist in Foley, AL, is there to help. Regular visits help to prevent dental anxiety from developing in smaller kids. Contact us today to book your next appointment!