When my daughter was enjoying dinner—chicken, applesauce, and rice—she suddenly exclaimed, “I can’t eat this, my mouth hurts!” Initially, I brushed off her complaint, thinking it was just a tactic to avoid her meal in favor of screen time. After all, she was reluctant to eat anything other than snacks and didn’t want to try the broccoli on her plate. However, when her discomfort escalated to tears during bath time and she struggled to brush her teeth, I realized something was seriously wrong: my daughter had a cavity.
A visit to the dentist confirmed my fears—she had multiple cavities, not just one. I felt a rush of embarrassment and shame. How could this happen? She brushes her teeth every morning, and I assist her each night. I was defensive, asserting that she rarely drank juice and we limited her treats. But the dentist assured me that some children are inherently more susceptible to cavities due to various factors, including genetics. In fact, a report from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry revealed that about 60% of children in the U.S. experience tooth decay by age five.
What Causes Cavities?
While poor oral hygiene contributes, all children harbor bacteria in their mouths that can lead to cavities if left unchecked. Additionally, certain foods, particularly carbohydrates and starches, can get trapped between teeth, providing the bacteria with the means to produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Dr. Lisa Montgomery, a dentist based in Chicago, noted that socioeconomic factors play a significant role as well. Many families lack access to dental care, especially in rural areas.
Genetics also factor into this equation. According to Dr. Montgomery, the thickness and durability of tooth enamel can be inherited, with genetics accounting for around 60% of the likelihood of developing cavities, while dietary habits and oral hygiene make up the remaining 40%. Despite this knowledge, the mom guilt was overwhelming, and my daughter was in pain. She held her cheek while watching cartoons and cried during meals. The treatment plan—two baby root canals and three fillings, spread across four visits—sounded daunting and expensive.
Moving Forward with Treatment
However, we knew we had to proceed with the treatment to prevent any further damage to her teeth. “If cavities go untreated, they can affect permanent teeth and even lead to serious health issues,” emphasized Dr. Montgomery. We managed to finance the necessary procedures through an FSA and decent dental insurance, and my brave daughter endured it all.
Breaking the Stigma
There’s an unfair stigma surrounding childhood tooth decay, often implying that it results from negligence. It’s vital to recognize that various factors contribute to this issue. If our children develop cavities, it doesn’t reflect our worth as parents. To help prevent future occurrences, my daughter continues to brush twice daily and uses a fluoride mouthwash designed for kids. We also ensure she flosses, despite the challenges posed by her small mouth. Dr. Montgomery advises that reducing sugar and acid intake while increasing fruits and vegetables can bolster dental health.
Looking Ahead
Will this guarantee she remains cavity-free? Probably not, given her predisposition. However, we are committed to doing our best to keep her healthy and happy. For additional insights, you can check out this informative blog post here. Additionally, for those interested in enhancing fertility, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. For further reading on genetic factors in dental health, see this Wikipedia entry.
Conclusion
In summary, while my daughter faced multiple cavities, it serves as a reminder that various factors contribute to dental health. By understanding these aspects, we can better support our children and combat the stigma surrounding cavities.