Teeth and cavities — Health, 7–10 years
How brushing helps protect teeth from the damage caused by plaque and sugary foods. Health, 7–10 years.
What a cavity is
A cavity is a damaged place in a tooth, not a tiny animal living inside it. Bacteria in the sticky layer called plaque use sugar from food and make acids, which slowly wear away the hard outer part of the tooth. Brushing removes plaque before this damage grows.
Why teeth need regular care
People needed a way to keep teeth working for eating and speaking, because tooth damage can hurt and may get worse. That is why dental care uses several small habits: brush with toothpaste, clean between teeth when advised, choose sugary snacks less often, and visit a dentist. The aim is to stop a small problem early.
A day of tooth care
Mia eats breakfast, then brushes all tooth surfaces for about two minutes, including the front, back and chewing surfaces. At lunch she drinks water instead of sipping a sweet drink for hours. Before bed she brushes again and tells an adult about a tooth that hurts. These steps do not repair a cavity, but they help prevent new damage and get help sooner.
The sugar-free trap
A common thought is that only sweets can harm teeth, so a sticky snack labelled “sugar-free” must always be harmless. That seems reasonable because sugar feeds the bacteria, but some foods and drinks are acidic, and a sticky snack can stay on teeth for a long time. Labels help, yet brushing, water and regular dental advice still matter.
Where this helps
Tooth care matters whenever you eat, drink or smile: at home, at school, on a trip or before a sports match. A water bottle and a toothbrush can be useful after a long day away from home. If pain, swelling or a broken tooth appears, an adult and a dental professional can decide what to do; brushing is not a replacement for treatment.
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