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What causes cavities in children?

Cavities in children should be a concern to parents as soon as the first teeth begin to appear. Parents should continue practicing proper hygiene because toddler cavities are just as prevalent as cavities in infants. Cavity causing plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria which builds up on teeth and is fed by sugar and carbohydrates your child eats. Plaque left for too long becomes acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel, causing a cavity.

Taking care of your child’s teeth is vital to averting early tooth decay. Tooth decay in children can lead to several problems including speech problems, pain and infection, crowded adult teeth, and poor appetite. 2

What can parents do to help prevent toddler cavities?

There are a number of ways parents can go about preventing toddler cavities. Monitoring what goes into your child’s mouth is the most important. This not only includes food and drinks, but making sure that the child’s pacifier is clean as well. Limiting sweets is essential to preventing cavities in children and will help children learn not to make them a regular part of their diet. Make sure your child’s teeth are cleaned often, using gauze on the gums of infants and brushing and flossing for toddlers. Most importantly, be sure that your child goes to the dentist for regular check-ups. This means within six months of the first tooth and regularly for cleaning and examinations. 3

1 “Baby Teeth: The Basics”, www.drspock.com

2 www.agd.org/consumer/topics/baby/main.asp

3 “Cavities: An Overview”, www.drspock.com

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Lunch Box Basics

If you're concerned about your toddler getting a healthy meal or snack when he heads off to nursery school, daycare or the babysitter's, fix it yourself! He'll like the grown-up feeling of carrying his own lunch box and you'll rest easy knowing he's getting the nutrition he may need.
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Toddler on Aisle Three

Holiday shopping with a toddler doesn't have to be stressful. Try these tips: Go in the morning when she's less likely to be cranky. Give her regular breaks from the stroller or shopping cart to let off steam. Bring water and healthy snacks like nuts, raisins or granola bars to keep her energy up, and disposable wipes for cleaning hands. Tell her the store rules and enforce them. Remind her to use her soft "public" voice when she needs something.

Source: "Ten Tips for All Day Shopping with a Toddler," www.thingamababy.com, May 18, 2006; "How to Take a Toddler Shopping," by Rose Halas, www.essortment.com