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A mother brushes her toddler's teeth with a toothpaste that contains BioHAP instead of fluoride, as a symbol of cavity prevention in childrenA mother brushes her toddler's teeth with a toothpaste that contains BioHAP instead of fluoride, as a symbol of cavity prevention in children

How to prevent and guard against cavities in children

Cavities in children and babies are still a major problem. Although dental care for children has already improved, tooth decay in babies and children is still very common.

In this article, you will learn how cavities develop and how you can recognize the signs before the proverbial hole in the tooth appears. You will also find out why cavities in baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth as well, and get tips on dental care and how to prevent cavities.

Cavity Symptoms: What does cavity in baby teeth look like?

If dental plaque is not completely removed through brushing, cavities can develop. Appearances can be deceiving, as cavities tend to form preferentially beneath the plaque, where they are not visible at first glance.

Only after the plaque is removed does the full extent of the decay become apparent.
Parents can identify baby tooth decay in children and toddlers by a number of symptoms:

  • Toothache when consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods.

  • Discoloration: white or dark discoloration on the tooth can indicate cavities.

  • Hole in the tooth: make an appointment with the dentist immediately.

Various colorful candies are arranged in a circle around a pink-and-white candy, as a symbol of the causes of cavities.

Causes of Cavities: Baby Teeth Are Particularly at Risk

The tooth enamel of baby teeth is only half as thick as that of permanent teeth, and thus the risk of cavities in baby teeth increases through the consumption of sweets.

Swipe through and learn more about remineralization and the causes of cavities.

Illustration of a tooth in which the crown is represented by a stripe of fluoride-free toothpaste with BioHAP; around the tooth lies a blue protective layer that repels bacteria, as a symbol of the effective protection of BioHAP against cavities.

How Do Cavities Form?

After consuming sugar, bacteria produce acids that attack and erode tooth enamel.

Illustration of a tooth in which the crown is represented by a stripe of fluoride-free toothpaste with BioHAP; around the tooth lies a blue protective layer that repels bacteria, as a symbol of the effective protection of BioHAP against cavities.

Sweets are a Risk Factor!

Consuming sweets, sucking on sugary drinks, and irregular tooth brushing increase the risk of cavities in baby teeth.

Close-up of a smiling child's mouth in which the baby teeth are clearly visible; as a symbol of the fact that baby teeth have only half as thick tooth enamel as permanent teeth and are therefore more susceptible to cavities.

Why Are Baby Teeth More Susceptible?

The thinner tooth enamel of baby teeth makes them more susceptible to cavities, as bacteria can penetrate more easily.

A mother squeezes KINDER KAREX Toothpaste onto her child's toothbrush while both hold the toothbrush in one hand each; both look smilingly at the toothpaste as a symbol of dental care for the prevention of cavities in children.

You Are Responsible

A balanced diet, regular dental care, and dental prophylaxis are crucial to preventing cavities in children.

Cavity prophylaxis: How can parents prevent cavities in children?

To prevent cavities from forming in the first place, good cavity prophylaxis is especially important for baby teeth. This includes protecting tooth enamel from demineralization. Bacteria and acids dissolve minerals from the enamel, making it susceptible to cavities.

Thorough and regular brushing removes food residue and plaque, where bacteria feel particularly at home. In addition to the natural remineralization by saliva, toothpaste also returns valuable minerals to baby teeth.

For additional protection against cavities and for the remineralization of baby teeth, the KAREX Tooth Protection Gel is a great option. It forms a protective layer on the tooth, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the tooth surface. The Tooth Protection Gel is a suitable complement to daily dental care.

Dental Care Tips: Tips for Dental Care Against Cavities

Careful and regular dental and oral care is the foundation for healthy baby teeth.

Swipe through our dental care tips.

A smiling girl brushes her teeth with a toothbrush and demonstrates the KAI tooth brushing technique by starting with the chewing surfaces.

KAI-Method: Start with the Chewing Surfaces

With the correct tooth brushing technique, the KAI method, dental care always follows a specific sequence.

A boy with braces brushes his teeth with a toothbrush and demonstrates step 2 of the KAI tooth brushing technique by cleaning the outer surfaces.

KAI Method: ...then the outer surfaces...

A small boy brushes his teeth with a toothbrush and demonstrates the final step of the KAI tooth brushing technique by cleaning the inner surfaces.

KAI-Method: ...and finally the inner surfaces!

Children can easily remember this, and no tooth will be forgotten. Important: Parents should brush after their children until elementary school age.

A boy stands in front of the mirror and holds dental floss, as a reference to floss picks and alcohol-free mouthwash for older children for improved oral hygiene.

Dental Floss & Mouthwash

Older children can use dental floss in good time, preferably in the evening before brushing their teeth. Child-friendly floss picks make it easier to get started. Once the child has mastered rinsing their mouth, a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash helps to remove food particles and reduce plaque buildup.

A father and son stand together in front of the mirror and brush their teeth. The image symbolizes the importance of regular dental visits for cavity prevention in children, recommended every six months from the age of three.

Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Visit the dentist regularly to ensure your child's dental health and cavity prevention; from the age of three, check-ups should take place every six months.

Dental Care Products: Fluoride-free children's toothpaste

Dental care with the tooth-related active ingredient BioHAP prevents cavities in children.

BioHAP instead of Fluorid: KAREX, the children's toothpaste without fluoride

The KAREX children's toothpaste with the tooth-related active ingredient BioHAP, also known as biomimetic hydroxyapatite, offers a fluoride-free solution for dental care in children.

  • KAREX children's toothpaste with BioHAP: suitable for all age groups for cavity prevention

  • Safe to swallow: no worries if your child swallows toothpaste, as BioHAP dissolves in the stomach

  • Avoiding fluorosis: with fluoride, the maximum permitted concentration should be taken into account depending on age in order to avoid fluorosis. With BioHAP, there is no maximum permitted concentration

Guide: Recommended for you

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    Tooth transition in children: How to support your child from baby teeth to permanent teeth

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    Chalk teeth: A new challenge for parents and dentists

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  • A girl in a blue and white striped top is smiling at the camera; white spots can be seen on her front teeth, which are signs of fluorosis, an enamel defect caused by excessive fluoride intake

    Fluorosis: Understanding and treating the causes

    Discover the causes of fluorosis and find out how you can treat it effectively. Protect your teeth and learn what you can do to prevent fluorosis!

BioHAP benefits: What exactly is BioHAP?

KAREX – consciously with BioHAP instead of fluoride

BioHAP is hydroxyapatite – the substance our teeth are made of. But BioHAP also stands for effective cavity protection without risk: the alternative for children and for everyone who does not want fluoride in their toothpaste.