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Home/Questions/Why do we get cavities?

🦷 Why do we get cavities?

🍭
0-5
🦸
6-10
😎
11-15
HealthBiology
🍭

Answer for children of age 0-5

🦷 Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth! They happen when tiny, invisible bugs called germs eat sugar from your food and make your teeth sick. 🦠

If you don’t brush your teeth, these germs throw a party and make holes! 🎉 But don’t worry—brushing your teeth twice a day keeps them away! 💪

🌟 Fun fact!

Did you know? Your mouth has more germs than people on Earth! 🌍 But most of them are good!

💡Advice for parents

Keep it simple: Germs + sugar = cavities. Emphasize brushing as a superhero activity that fights germs. Use playful language and visuals (like cartoon germs) to make it fun.
🦸

Answer for children of age 6-10

🦷 Cavities happen when bacteria (tiny living things) in your mouth mix with sugar from food. They make acid, which attacks your teeth like a tiny drill! 🔨

Over time, this acid makes holes called cavities. But you can stop them:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste 🪥
  • Floss to clean between teeth 🧵
  • Eat less candy and soda 🍭🚫

🌟 Fun fact!

Fun fact: The ancient Egyptians got cavities too! Archaeologists found mummies with tooth decay. 👑

💡Advice for parents

Explain the science simply: bacteria + sugar → acid → cavities. Focus on prevention (brushing, diet). Use experiments like soaking an egg in soda to show acid effects.
😎

Answer for children of age 11-15

🦷 Cavities (or dental caries) are permanently damaged areas in your teeth caused by a cycle of:

  1. Bacteria: Harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans live in plaque.
  2. Sugar: They feed on sugars, producing acids as waste.
  3. Acid Erosion: Acid dissolves tooth enamel, creating cavities.

Prevention Tips:

DoDon’t
Brush 2x/day 🪥Eat sticky candy 🍬
Use fluoride toothpasteDrink soda daily 🥤
Visit the dentist 🏥Skip flossing

🌟 Fun fact!

Scientists found 9,000-year-old teeth with dentist-made holes! Early humans treated cavities with flint tools. ⚒️

💡Advice for parents

Teach the bacteria-acid-enamel cycle. Discuss fluoride’s role in strengthening teeth. Encourage critical thinking about diet choices (e.g., ‘Is this snack cavity-friendly?’).