As parents, we all want our children to grow up with healthy, confident smiles. Yet cavities remain one of the most common chronic conditions among children in the United States. The good news is that cavities are highly preventable when families have the tools, support, and guidance to build healthy habits early.
At Salthouse Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Des Peres, MO, we believe prevention is the key to long-lasting oral health. Our pediatric dental team, led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Corbin Salthouse and supported by Dr. Betsaida Delgado and Dr. Gavin Tarazi, partners with families throughout the St. Louis area to protect growing smiles and help children thrive at every stage.
Whether your child is just starting to brush or is busy juggling school, sports, and snack time, this parent-friendly guide covers everything you need to know to prevent cavities and keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy.
What Causes Cavities in Children?
Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches. These bacteria produce acids that gradually weaken tooth enamel, eventually creating holes in the teeth.
Common factors that increase cavity risk include:
- Inconsistent brushing or flossing
- Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks
- Sticky or sugary foods that cling to teeth
- Low fluoride exposure
- Deep grooves in teeth that trap bacteria
- Dry mouth or certain medications
- Delayed or infrequent dental visits
A cavity does not happen overnight. It forms slowly, which means early prevention makes a big difference.
Daily Habits to Protect Your Child’s Teeth
Brush Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing removes plaque before it can damage enamel. For best results:
- Brush twice per day for two minutes
- Use fluoride toothpaste (a smear the size of a grain of rice for toddlers; pea-sized after age 3)
- Help or supervise brushing until at least age 7 or 8
- Make brushing fun with timers, sticker charts, or family brushing routines
Proper technique is key. At each visit, we can demonstrate kid-friendly brushing methods to help your child succeed.
Floss Daily Once Teeth Touch
Once your child’s teeth begin to touch, flossing becomes essential. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria that settle between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Floss picks are great for kids learning independence.
Encourage Water as the Main Drink
Water helps rinse away sugars, support saliva production, and keep the mouth hydrated.
Encourage:
- Water throughout the day, especially fluoridated tap water
- Milk with meals
Limit:
- Juice, even if it is 100 percent juice
- Sports drinks and sodas
- Flavored waters and teas with added sugar
If your child does have a sugary drink, serve it with meals and avoid extended sipping.
Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks
Snacking habits play a major role in cavity prevention.
Best snack choices:
- Cheese and yogurt
- Fresh fruits like berries and apples
- Vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers
- Nuts and nut butters (as age-appropriate)
Limit snack foods that cling to teeth or break down into sugar, including:
- Sticky fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Cookies, crackers, chips, and puffs
- Candy and sugary treats
It is not just what kids eat, but how often. Grazing all day increases acid exposure in the mouth.
Professional Dental Care for Cavity Prevention
Routine pediatric dental visits play a vital role in preventing cavities and catching early signs of decay before they become a problem. At Salthouse Smiles, we tailor preventive care to your child’s stage of development and comfort needs.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
We recommend visits at least every 6 months. During these visits, we:
- Gently clean the teeth to remove plaque and tartar
- Check for early signs of decay or gum irritation
- Monitor oral development and tooth alignment
- Share brushing and nutrition tips based on your child’s habits
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps repair early areas of weakened tooth structure. These safe, fast treatments significantly reduce cavity risk and are especially helpful for children at higher risk of decay.
Dental Sealants
Sealants provide a protective coating over the grooves of molars. Since these grooves can trap food and bacteria, sealants are one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities on chewing surfaces.
Treatment is comfortable, quick, and requires no numbing.
Healthy Habits That Support Strong Smiles
Cavity prevention goes beyond brushing and diet. These additional habits help protect teeth:
- Avoid putting children to bed with bottles or sippy cups containing anything other than water
- Encourage rinsing the mouth with water after snacks when brushing is not possible
- Discuss thumb-sucking or pacifier use if it continues past preschool
- Promote nose breathing whenever possible
- Consider sugar-free gum with xylitol for older children to stimulate saliva
Every child is unique. We take time to understand your child’s eating patterns, brushing habits, lifestyle, and sensitivities so we can provide personalized recommendations that truly work for your family.
What Happens if a Cavity Develops?
Even with careful habits, cavities can still happen. If we detect a cavity, early treatment is essential to protect the tooth and prevent discomfort.
Our goal is always to:
- Diagnose early
- Treat gently and conservatively
- Help children feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress
Positive dental experiences now help build lifelong confidence and healthy habits.
Set Your Child Up for a Cavity-Free Future
At Salthouse Smiles, we believe children thrive when prevention, education, and encouragement come together. From your very first visit, our friendly team will support you and your child every step of the way and help create routines that make dental care simple and stress-free.
If you live in Des Peres, St. Louis, or surrounding communities, we invite you to experience pediatric dental care that puts your child’s comfort and health first.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment
Ready to get started on the path to a cavity-free smile? Contact Salthouse Smiles Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule your child’s visit. We look forward to welcoming your family to our practice and providing exceptional preventive care for growing smiles.