### Understanding Cavities in Children Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are common among children. If left untreated, they can cause pain, infection, and problems with speaking, eating, and learning. Here’s what you need to know about the causes, signs, and preventive measures for cavities in children. #### Causes Cavities are caused by bacteria, foods, acids, and saliva. Sugary and starchy foods like candy, soda, cake, juices, milk, and cereals become acidic from bacteria in the mouth. These acids break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities. #### Signs Common signs of cavities include toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, visible holes or pits in the teeth, and pain when biting down. If your child shows these signs, visit a dentist. #### Prevention 1. **Good Dental Hygiene**: Teach your child to brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Children aged 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Help children under 8 with brushing. 2. **Flossing**: Floss your child’s teeth once a day to remove plaque buildup. 3. **Healthy Diet**: Provide tooth-healthy foods like carrots, celery, apples, strawberries, oranges, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Avoid sugary treats. 4. **Fluoride**: Use fluoride toothpaste and ensure your child drinks fluoridated tap water. Your dentist can check the fluoride content in your water and may prescribe supplements if needed. 5. **Regular Dental Visits**: Schedule dental check-ups every six months starting from when the first tooth appears or before your child turns one year old. By following these steps, you can help prevent cavities and ensure your child maintains good dental health.