A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth if you eat too many sweets or don’t clean your teeth well.
Cavities are harmful, and they can be painful, too! If left untreated, the hole can grow so big, the whole tooth gets damaged. If that happens, the dentist may have to fill the hole, which can hurt, or the dentist may even have to remove the tooth!
To learn if you might have cavities, take the cavity quiz! Keep track of your points for each answer and add them up at the end to find your score.
Do you brush your teeth after you wake up in the morning?
Yes: +1
No: 0
Do you brush your teeth at night before you go to bed?
Yes: +1
No: 0
Do you floss your teeth at least once a day?
Yes: +1
No: 0
Do you go to the dentist regularly (about two times a year)?
Yes: +1
No: 0
Has the dentist ever told that you’ve had a cavity?
Yes: 0
No: +1
Do you eat snacks more than three times a day (not counting breakfast, lunch or dinner)?
Yes: 0
No: +1
Do breakfast, lunch and dinner usually include lots of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables?
Yes: +1
No: 0
How often do you eat sweets, candy and starchy snacks like chips, pretzels and crackers?
Whenever I can, almost every day: 0
Only now and then and on special occasions: +1
Do you brush your teeth after eating candy, desserts or starchy snacks like chips, pretzels and crackers?
Yes: +1
No: 0
How often do you drink water to quench your thirst?
Not very much: 0
A lot: +1
If your score is ...
Read on to learn more about your score and how you can win the fight against cavities.
You’re a real cool kid who knows a lot about fighting cavities! Keep up the good work. Here’s how you can carry on the fight.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride will keep your teeth strong and fight the germs in your mouth. And keep flossing every day to help keep cavities away!
Everyone — and that includes you — should see the dentist twice a year. You’re doing great, and the dentist will always be your best ally when it comes to fighting cavities. Keep it up!
Fruits and vegetables are good for your whole body, your mouth included. Always have some healthy fruits and vegetables with every meal and reach for them first when it comes to snack time. Candies, sweets and starchy foods like pretzels and potato chips lead to cavities, too, so always try to swap them out for healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, cheese or nuts.
Find more fun games, activities, crafts, quizzes and more that can help you learn how to win the fight against cavities in the latest issue of Grin! for Kids.
You’re doing a good job, but there’s a lot more you could do to fight cavities! Here’s how to stop cavities in their tracks before they can harm your teeth.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride will make your teeth stronger and fight the germs in your mouth. Floss every day to help keep cavities away!
Visit the dentist at least twice a year. If you’re not seeing a dentist regularly, ask a parent or guardian about taking you.
Not only are fruits and vegetables good for your whole body, but they have a lot of water, so they help keep your mouth from getting dry, stopping germs and cavities.
The germs that cause cavities love candies, especially sticky ones like caramel, gummies and taffy! Try to swap them out for healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts. When you do eat sweets, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards.
Remember: It’s not just sugar and candy that can harm your teeth. Starchy foods like crackers, rice, bread and pretzels can also lead to cavities. Be sure to brush after meals and snacks that include these foods and try reaching for healthier choices whenever you can. And drink lots of water when it comes time to quench your thirst.
Find more fun games, activities, crafts, quizzes and more that can help you learn how to win the fight against cavities in the latest issue of Grin! for Kids.
Whoa! You’re giving cavities the chance to win! Remember: The fight against cavities depends on you! Here’s what you can do to boost your game in the fight.
It sounds like cavities may be getting the upper hand, so it’s extra-important for you to visit a dentist soon! Overall, you should visit the dentist at least twice each year. If you’re not seeing a dentist regularly, ask a parent or guardian about taking you.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day to help keep cavities away! If it helps you remember to brush or to enjoy the job more, pick a toothbrush in a color you love. If you don’t like the mint flavor of toothpaste, ask your parents about trying a flavor you like, from bubble gum to strawberry! Just look at the label to make sure that the toothpaste contains fluoride, which will help make your teeth stronger and fight the germs in your mouth. Brushing and flossing are the most important steps you can take in the fight against cavities.
Not only are fruits and vegetables good for your whole body, but they have a lot of water, so they help keep your mouth from getting dry, stopping germs and cavities.
The germs that cause cavities love candies, especially sticky ones like caramel, gummies and taffy! Try to swap them out for healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, cheese and nuts. When you do eat sweets, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards.
Remember: It’s not just sugar and candy that can harm your teeth. Starchy foods like crackers, rice, bread and pretzels can also lead to cavities. Be sure to brush after meals and snacks that include these foods and try reaching for healthier choices whenever you can. And get an extra leg up in the fight against cavities by drinking water every day, throughout the day!
Find more fun games, activities, crafts, quizzes and more that can help you learn how to win the fight against cavities in the latest issue of Grin! for Kids.
Check out articles, quizzes and more for kids and teens.
The oral health information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed dentist or other qualified health care professional for any questions concerning your oral health.