How to Prevent Cavities: Tips for Every Age Group

Health Apr 15, 2025 21 Add to Reading List

Cavities are small holes in your teeth. They happen when bacteria break down the tooth surface. Cavities can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. The good news is—they’re mostly preventable. No matter how old you are, there are steps you can take to protect your teeth. Here's how.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar. This creates acid that wears away the outer layer of your teeth, called enamel. Over time, if you don’t clean your teeth well, this damage turns into a cavity.

Other things that can cause cavities include:

Not brushing and flossing
Eating lots of sugar
Dry mouth
Not visiting the dentist
Using tobacco

Different age groups have different risks. That’s why it’s important to know what to do at every stage of life.

For Babies and Toddlers

Yes, even babies can get cavities. This is called baby bottle tooth decay. It often happens when a child is put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.

Tips for parents:

Don’t put your baby to sleep with a bottle
Clean their gums with a soft cloth after feedings
Once teeth appear, use a baby toothbrush and a rice-sized bit of toothpaste
Don’t share spoons or clean pacifiers in your mouth. That spreads bacteria.

For Kids (Ages 4–12)

Children love sweets, and they don’t always brush well. That puts them at risk for cavities.

Here’s what helps:

Teach your child to brush two times a day
Use toothpaste with fluoride
Help them floss once a day
Limit candy, soda, and sugary snacks
Take them to the children’s dentist every six months
Ask the dentist about sealants—they protect back teeth

Kids need help with brushing until around age 7 or 8. Make sure they’re doing it right and not just chewing the brush.

For Teens

Teens are often busy and distracted. They snack a lot and may not care about dental care. But their adult teeth are here to stay.

How teens can prevent cavities:

Brush and floss daily, no skipping
Avoid soda and energy drinks—they’re full of sugar
Chew sugar-free gum if brushing isn’t possible after lunch
Keep up with dental checkups
Ask your Georgetown dentist about fluoride rinses or sealants

Braces and other dental work can also trap food. If your teen has them, make sure they clean around them carefully.

For Adults

Adults get cavities too. Some adults never had many as kids, then start getting them later in life. Dry mouth, stress, or gum problems can all play a part.

Here’s what to do:

Brush with fluoride toothpaste
Use floss or picks every day
Don’t ignore tooth pain or sensitivity
Drink water instead of sugary drinks
Cut back on snacks between meals
Get regular dental cleanings

If you have crowns, fillings, or bridges, clean around them carefully. Cavities can form at the edge of dental work.

For Seniors

As you age, you may take medicines that cause dry mouth. Less saliva makes it easier for cavities to form. Gum recession can also expose the root of your tooth, which is softer and easier to damage.

Tips for older adults:

Use toothpaste made for dry mouth if needed
Keep dentures clean and remove them at night
Don’t sip sugary drinks throughout the day
Visit the dentist near you often—even if you wear dentures

Caring for your teeth later in life helps keep your smile strong and healthy. Don’t wait until there’s pain.

Quick Daily Checklist

Want to keep cavities away? Follow this simple list each day:

Brush twice (morning and night)
Floss once
Drink plenty of water
Limit sugar
Chew sugar-free gum if needed
Visit your dentist every 6 months

Good habits beat cavities every time. Start small, stick with it, and teach your kids too.

Final Thoughts

Cavities don’t have to be part of life. With the right steps, you can avoid them at any age. Start early, stay consistent, and don’t skip your dental checkups. Your future self will thank you for taking care of your teeth today.