• Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection knows as "caries

• Brushing and flossing alone may not stop the caries infection

• Effective dental products designed just for kids are now available

 

Facts About Cavities

Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection on the teeth known as “caries”.  Dental caries is the number 1 childhood disease, four times more prevalent than asthma, which is the number 2 childhood disease.  This infection is primarily caused by:

Transmission:  this infection is contagious!  The most common route of transmission is termed “vertical transmission”, which means parents or primary caregivers infect their children.

 

Prolonged acidic oral environment: this can be associated with a sugary/acidic diet or frequent nursing/bottle feeding.  These factors can promote an acidic bacterial infection.

 

Lack of good hygiene: keeping the oral environment clean & at an alkaline pH is important even prior to the first tooth erupting.

 

Expert Advice

• Call our office to have a "caries risk assessment", where we evaluate what factors are contributing to your children getting cavities, and offer treatment beyond drilling and filling, including CariFree products that can help significantly reduce your childrens risk of developing cavities.