When considering a visit to the dentist, cavities are one of the top reasons people schedule an appointment. Studies have shown that cavities impact as much as 90 percent of the population. Sometimes they are small and go unnoticed, other times they are a large enough to collect food and become quite painful, often sending the patient straight to the dentist’s chair. In fact, toothaches caused by cavities are one of the single most common reasons for a trip to the dentist. Cavities are even more problematic for children who are much more vulnerable to them than adults. This is because young teeth haven’t matured fully yet and are more likely to be exposed to unhealthy, sugary treats more often. As such, be sure to check with a family dentist to receive quality care for the entire family. Here is a general rundown of how cavities form and how families can avoid them altogether. If you have a toothache or think that you may have a cavity you should contact a family dentist near you for help.