Tooth Decay in Kids: Your Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

You're brushing your child's teeth and see it—a little white or brown spot. Tooth decay in kids, also known as dental caries or cavities, is the most common childhood disease in the Philippines. In fact, the 2018 National Survey on Oral Health found that 85.2% of 5-year-old children have dental caries.

The good news is that tooth decay in kids is manageable as long as you catch it early. Understanding the causes and early signs helps you protect your child's smile, from their first baby tooth to their permanent grin. This guide will help you tackle it head-on.

What Causes Tooth Decay in Kids?

Bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that wear away the enamel (the tooth’s hard outer layer). Poor or irregular oral hygiene also allows plaque (that sticky film of bacteria) to damage your child’s teeth.

If left untreated, this plaque can lead to tooth cavity, pain, infection, and even problems with your child's permanent teeth later on.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Kids

Catching decay early makes treatment simpler and can prevent your child from feeling pain. Here are common tooth decay symptoms to watch out for.

• Chalky white or brown spots, especially near the gumline
• Sensitivity or pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet things
• Sharp pain when your child bites down on food
• Visible dark spots, pits, or a hole in the tooth surface
• Swollen, red gums or bad breath that won't go away

How to Avoid Cavities and Protect Your Child's Smile

You can help your child build great brushing habits by making oral hygiene a fun, twice-a-day routine.

Now for the action plan! Follow these tips to help your child learn how to avoid cavities by practicing healthy habits and good oral hygiene.

1. Supervise your child's daily brushing routine.

Kids often don't have the fine motor skills to brush effectively on their own. A study in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry found that a child's ability to brush their teeth well is linked to other fine motor skills.

A good rule of thumb is that if your child can tie their own shoelaces, they’re developing the skills needed to brush well. Until then, you should help them with brushing or at least do a "touch-up" pass after they're done.

The Philippine Dental Association, Inc. recommends brushing twice a day: once after breakfast and again before bed for a full two minutes.

2. Use fluoride toothpaste every time.

Fluoride, a natural mineral in toothpaste, makes tooth enamel stronger. When you're helping your child brush, make sure they use the correct amount for their age, notes the Philippine Dental Association, Inc.

• 3 to 6 years old: A mung bean-sized amount
• 7 years old and up: A green bean-sized amount

3. Choose healthy food and drinks for your child.

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights high sugar consumption as the main cause of tooth decay globally.

Limit sugary drinks like juice and soda, and swap sweet treats like cookies and cakes for healthier options like cheese or crunchy veggies. The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that dairy and calcium-rich foods can help neutralize acids in the mouth. Check out these healthy snack ideas for kids.

4. Stick to set snack times.

Every time your child eats a sugary or starchy snack, their teeth are under an acid attack for the next 30 minutes, notes the Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines. So, if they're constantly snacking, their teeth are under constant attack with no time to recover.

This is also why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages serving only water in between meals. Water helps cleanse their mouth and keeps saliva flowing, which naturally washes away decay-causing bacteria.

5. Floss your child's teeth daily.

A toothbrush can't reach the plaque that hides between teeth. According to the AAP, as soon as your child has two teeth that touch, you should start teaching them to floss once a day. Kid-friendly flossers can make this job much easier.

6. Stop sharing utensils.

Did you know that the bacteria that cause cavities are contagious? You can pass them to your child by sharing a spoon or even cleaning their pacifier with your mouth, notes the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). To be safe, avoid sharing saliva with your baby or toddler.

7. Partner with your child's dentist.

Your dentist can help catch any early signs of a tooth cavity, helping prevent tooth decay in kids.

You and your dentist can decide on a regular schedule for your child’s checkups. But it's crucial to show up on each one. These visits help catch early warning signs before they turn into serious problems.

Research on the oral health of young Filipino children in 2023 found that about 3 out of 10 Filipino children (33.7%) aged 5 and up had decayed, missing, or filled teeth.

A dentist is the only one who knows how to treat tooth decay or how to fix a hole in the tooth. Depending on the severity, your child’s dentist may recommend a fluoride varnish to stop early decay or a filling to repair a small cavity.

You can also ask your dentist about dental sealants. They apply these thin, protective coatings to the back teeth to help prevent cavities, especially in school-age kids. For older kids or those with braces, brushing around brackets and avoiding sticky or chewy snacks can help prevent decay on hard-to-clean surfaces.

Protecting Your Child’s Healthy Smile

Seeing signs of tooth decay in kids can feel discouraging, but don’t worry! By building these simple, consistent habits, you're helping your child keep their teeth and gum healthy.

It takes a village! Connect with other parents on the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your tips for preventing tooth decay in kids.