Dental problems usually begin in childhood. Not having created good hygiene habits, growing up with adults who do not take care of their teeth, or seeing tooth decay as something normal causes, in our children, the false certainty that dental problems are not something to worry about.
Of course, children’s dental problems do not necessarily end with cavities. Interestingly, good hygiene and habit formation from early childhood can prevent most of these problems.
In this article, find out the most common dental problems children suffer, as well as how to prevent them and treat them.
7 most common dental issues in children
There are many common dental issues in children. Here we tell you about the seven most common ones:
1. Dental cavities
The number one and most prevalent problem in children is tooth decay, also called cavities. Cavities are damaged areas in the teeth caused by the breakdown of the enamel and hard tissue of the tooth. Cavities happen when the mouth is exposed to acids produced by bacteria. These bacteria feed mainly on sugars and simple carbohydrates.
You can prevent cavities and the breakdown of children’s teeth. Three excellent ways to prevent tooth decay are the following:
Improve dental hygiene: Creating habits of brushing teeth after main meals and supervising the correct brushing of teeth in your children improves their dental hygiene.
Improve diet: Avoid giving kids too many sweets or highly processed foods. You can also help by adding foods with high nutritional value to their diet.
Consult with your dentist regularly: Discovering cavities at an early stage is useful to avoid them becoming bigger.
Preventing cavities in children prevents them from having more serious problems. Some of the issues we avoid include pain, tooth loss, and painful visits to the dentist. Generally, going to the dentist for a cleaning or checkup is better than going to the dentist to cure large, painful cavities.
If your children have cavities, it is crucial to cure them to prevent them from growing and causing more damage.
2. Gum disease
Did you know not only adults could have gum disease? Gingivitis in children is quite common. It is characterized as a disease of the gums. In this disease, the plaque accumulates between the gum and the tooth, thus irritating the gum.
To discover if your child has gingivitis, you can observe if their gums have any of these signs:
Constant pain in the gums (or sensitivity to temperatures when eating).
Inflammation or swelling of the gums.
Bleeding of the gums, especially when flossing or brushing teeth.
Gingivitis is the precursor to gum disease. In most cases, it is prevented by proper tooth and gum hygiene, including proper flossing. If this disease is not treated, children’s teeth may fall out, become weaker, or cause bone loss. You can prevent the disease through dietary changes and improved brushing techniques.
Gum disease is a treatable disease. As a parent, you can look for the help of a good dentist or periodontist.
3. Orthodontic problems
Orthodontic problems are a “growing trend” in children. Also called malocclusions, orthodontic problems can cause some aesthetic problems or even functional problems, such as:
Overbite: Overbite means that the front teeth protrude more than the back teeth.
Underbite: The lower teeth protrude from the upper teeth in an underbite. This could be caused by genetics or because of prolonged thumb-sucking.
Open bite: When the mouth is closed, it is normal for all teeth to touch to facilitate chewing. In an open bite, teeth don’t touch.
Spacing problems: Sometimes, there is too little or too much space between the teeth, causing problems with chewing or with the aesthetics and self-esteem of children.
Crowding: Crowding happens when there is no space for the teeth, causing them to grow too close together and become crooked.
It is crucial to detect these problems early in order to correct them. Your orthodontist will determine if you need braces, expanders, headgear, or even jaw surgery—in severe cases. Unfortunately, orthodontics is not only an aesthetic problem but can also cause other problems in the long run, such as cracked teeth, difficulty brushing teeth, or jaw problems.
We recommend that you and your kid visit an orthodontist around the age of seven or eight when many permanent teeth have erupted.
4. Traumas
Another common problem in children is dental trauma. Dental trauma refers to injuries that affect the teeth, gums, jawbone, or mouth. Injuries can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth. A variety of reasons can cause them:
Accidents
Falls
Sport injuries
Biting on hard objects
Whatever the case, if the injury is severe, the child requires immediate dental attention. To prevent some of these problems, children can wear mouthguards when playing some sports.
5. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may be caused by some of the other problems mentioned above. It refers to the discomfort and pain that children feel when drinking hot or cold foods and beverages. Even air currents entering the mouth can cause pain.
Some of the problems that can cause children’s teeth to feel sensitive include the following:
Cavities
New permanent teeth
Bruxism or teeth-grinding
Orthodontic treatment
Gum disease
A cracked or missing filling
It is important to detect and treat the cause with a pediatric dental specialist. If your child complains of tooth pain or sensitivity, the best thing to do is to take them to the dentist for a check-up.
6. Grinding
Grinding or bruxism is a habit that causes children to clench or grind their teeth. It is quite common in infants and toddlers, but children stop when their teeth develop.
If your child continues to grind his teeth after toddlerhood, there is a high risk that it will wear down the enamel on its teeth. This can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Your dental professional will determine whether mouthguards are necessary to prevent tooth wear. However, it is important to consult a team of professionals to understand and stop the cause of tooth grinding.
7. Thumb sucking
Children often use thumb sucking as a self-soothing mechanism. By doing so for prolonged periods, they can damage their teeth. This problem can usually lead to several issues, such as an open bite, meaning the upper and lower teeth do not touch.
Thumb sucking can also cause problems with proper chewing and even affect speech. If your child is still sucking its thumb after 3-4 years of age, it is best to look for ways to prevent it with the help of your pediatrician, dental professional, and other healthcare professionals.
Prevention is key: early habits for lifelong health
The bottom line is that by brushing your child’s teeth, staying informed about common problems, and regular visits to the dentist, you can prevent or correct most dental problems early.
Remember that it is up to you to create good habits in the children around you from a young age. Your care will be their care.
If you’ve ever wondered whether baby teeth can have cavities, how to clean baby teeth, when to take your baby to a first dental appointment, or how to prevent long-term problems, then this article is for you! Read this article about baby teeth and their correct care.
Can baby teeth have cavities?
Definitely! Early childhood cavities can develop quickly, as the enamel (or the protective layer of the teeth) is thinner on baby teeth. Since it is usually more difficult to brush a baby’s or toddler’s teeth than an older child’s, cavities are common. Some reasons for cavities in baby teeth include these:
Infrequent brushing and cleaning
High sugar intake
Genetic factors
Feeding right before going to bed
Unhealthy diet
In addition, it is essential to have a regular check-up by a dental professional to prevent cavities.
Should my dentist fix cavities in baby teeth?
The general answer is yes. Dentists should fix cavities in baby teeth. However, your dentist will evaluate each case on an individual basis. For example, if a baby tooth is about to fall out naturally, it may not need to be fixed. Also, a dentist would probably not fix baby teeth if the procedure is:
Highly painful
Too pricey
Time-consuming
Overly complicated
Baby teeth will eventually fall out on their own. However, there are some reasons why we should fix them.
When to fix baby teeth?
If the tooth is decayed, damaged, or causing pain to the child, it is essential to cure it. Some reasons for fixing baby teeth include:
Prevent and cure pain: When a baby tooth is damaged or decayed, it can cause discomfort to the child. Fixing it can help relieve the pain.
Prevent infections: Decayment of baby teeth can lead to infections. By fixing baby teeth, we prevent infections.
Maintain oral hygiene: Baby teeth are essential in maintaining space for the teeth to come. In addition, healing baby teeth can help keep the hygiene of the rest of the teeth.
Prevent future complications: Cavities in baby teeth and poor hygiene can lead to more serious complications, for example, abscesses or gum disease.
In general, dentists must decide when a baby tooth is worth fixing. However, as parents, we can always seek a second opinion.
How can I care for children’s baby teeth?
As parents, in addition to all your new responsibilities, you may not be very aware of how necessary it is to take care of teeth from the time they erupt. Nevertheless, following a few simple steps and tips, tooth care becomes part of a healthy routine that will benefit your children for a lifetime.
Tips to prevent cavities in baby teeth
Maintain good hygiene: After feeding and before going to bed, clean the gums with a wet cloth or gauze pad. Once the first tooth appears, brush it at least twice a day in addition to going to the dentist.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Avoid giving your child snacks or beverages with high sugar content. Avoiding these foods, especially before going to sleep, improves their dental hygiene.
Avoid sharing bacteria: It is recommended not to share utensils or toothbrushes with your child to avoid passing cavity-causing bacteria.
Avoid sleeping with a bottle: Giving your children bottles to go to sleep is one of the most common reasons for baby teeth to get cavities. Some professionals refer to early cavities as baby bottle tooth decay. From 12 months, make the transition to a cup.
Visit the dentist regularly: From the time the first tooth erupts or around the first teeth, it is necessary to visit the dentist to prevent cavities. In addition, visiting the dentist before your children have problems will help them feel confident about going to the dentist.
Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet without added sugar helps overall dental health. For example, eating plenty of calcium and phosphorus helps avoid cavities in the long run.
Make water the drink of choice in your household: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent decay-causing bacteria. In addition, drinking water as a family instead of sugary beverages helps our children create good habits for their teeth and health.
Some literature suggests that prolonged breastfeeding protects baby teeth. However, even if you breastfeed, you should clean your child’s teeth as soon as they erupt.
When to take my kid for a first dental visit?
You should take your children for their first dental visit when their first tooth erupts or when they are one year old. The dentist can observe the development of the gums and teeth. This first visit helps children to develop better dental hygiene habits and to see the dentist as friendly. Your dentist can also advise you on common issues such as thumb sucking and even when it is considered normal.
Baby teeth may fall out independently, but they need care just like permanent teeth do.
During this first visit, the dentist will examine their gums, teeth, and jaw and advise you on oral and dental hygiene. Remember that one of the most significant advantages of visiting the dentist from an early age is that it makes future visits less intimidating for your child.
The bottom line: cavity prevention is a family matter
Whether it’s your first or seventh child, creating healthy routines starts with your example and your routines. Consider brushing your child’s teeth along with a routine such as music, a book, and then bedtime at the same time every day. The routine you create helps your children get used to reminding themselves to remember their dental hygiene. If your children see how well you take care of your own teeth, they will mimic you and take care of their teeth.
We love to see the children around us laughing and smiling! What better way to see healthy and beautiful smiles than with prevention?
February is a month to focus on children’s dental health, also known as NCDHM (National Children’s Dental Health Month). This year, the theme is “forever in my brushing era,” which implies a commitment to maintaining oral hygiene habits throughout life, starting in childhood.
In this article, learn about:
The history of NCDHM
How to improve your children’s dental hygiene – whether you are a parent, teacher, or dentist
How to prevent dental problems for healthier smiles
And more about this month’s goals for dental prevention.
Forever in my brushing era
Truth is, that every day should be about children’s dental health day.
Overall, children need to develop daily dental habits, and in addition, they need to see the adults around them actively acquiring good dental habits. If the adults raising the children care for their teeth, children will have the best example to follow.
Remember how healthy teeth and gums are the formula for:
A healthy circulatory system: Many studies have shown a link between a lower risk of heart disease and a healthy circulatory system by caring for the gums.
A great, white smile: There is nothing nicer than seeing full smiles with healthy teeth and feeling the joy health brings to our children.
Maximum enjoyment of food: With healthy and strong teeth, our children will grow into adults who can always eat their food and chew without problems.
Living a whole life: A whole life begins with small habits. An adult with healthy teeth can live a fuller and happier life.
Why take care of children’s teeth only one month a year? Let’s make the most of this month and remember it the whole year.
Why February? A bit of NCDHM history
In the United States, the ADA (American Dental Association) established in 1981 that February would be National Children’s Dental Health Month to encourage good hygiene habits. In the past, this month was celebrated as a daily observance and then weekly.
Initially, only two cities held this monthly observance, until it became a nationwide program.
Objectives of NCDHM
Some of the key objectives for this National Children’s Dental Health Month include:
Education
Children’s primary caregivers, parents, teachers, and the children themselves need to know the importance of proper tooth brushing.
In addition, education is given on various themes, such as flossing techniques, the importance of regular check-ups, and balanced nutrition to care for teeth. For example, limiting sugary, starchy, and highly acidic foods is important for educators to know.
Prevention
If children only go to the dentist for cavities, they probably won’t like it. To prevent problems, visiting the dentist regularly helps children lose their fear of the dentist. Having regular dental cleanings prevents cavities.
Community Engagement
During the month of February, different organizations promote oral health awareness. In addition, dental professionals, schools, and other organizations are encouraged to care about children’s teeth. Some schools and community centers, for example, teach children the best hygiene practices.
Universal Access
This month, a special emphasis is placed on universal and affordable care. This way, the general public and underserved communities can access affordable dental services.
Activities and involvement
To improve children’s involvement in NCDHM, many diverse activities are planned, according to each region’s creativity.
For parents
Protect your children’s baby teeth. From the first baby tooth or the first birthday, children should have their first check-up. Baby teeth play a fundamental role in the development of permanent teeth. Protecting them helps kids in many ways:
Cavity prevention: Protecting baby teeth helps children prevent tooth decay in both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Speech development: Teeth help in pronouncing words correctly and facilitate certain sounds.
Baby teeth guide permanent teeth: Baby teeth serve as a guide for the permanent teeth to erupt in the correct position.
Jaw development: Baby teeth help shape the jaw and facial structure.
During the month of February, parents can participate in different workshops and educational activities, visit libraries, and even get good discounts on primary dental care.
For teachers
Teachers can create coloring or essay contests with dental themes, plan field trips to dental clinics, and use the month according to their creativity to give children’s dental hygiene the importance it deserves. Teachers can make crafts and art related to teeth and dental hygiene. Depending on the level of the children, they can also create age-appropriate lessons for their classrooms. Teachers can have a major impact on dental hygiene as educators of children.
For dentists
Some creative activities for dentists include:
Social media campaigns: Dentists can run social media campaigns, such as sharing reels and videos. They can also promote events to reach a larger audience.
Promotional events: Dentists can give away prizes or giveaways of oral care products, as well as free appointments for dental check-ups.
Educational material: Dentists can create or distribute educational materials for children, such as coloring pictures, activities, and others.
Community outreach: Dentists can make visits to schools or community centers and participate in prevention events.
This month is essential for dentists so they can reach out to children.
Healthy smiles start here
NCDHM plays a significant role in reducing dental problems in children, but you can celebrate this month throughout the year.
Celebrate the accomplishments of the children around you, and congratulate them every time they brush their teeth. Set an example with your healthy teeth, and get regular check-ups.
Remember: healthy teeth mean better overall health.
How often is it advisable for children to visit the dentist? Many parents have probably asked themselves this same question. From what age should parents take their children to the dentist? How can they prepare their children for their first dental visit? When do their children need an early visit? How often do they need to change toothbrushes? Should the dentist fix baby teeth? This article answers these questions for parents and more.
When should your child first visit the dentist?
The frequency with which children should visit the dentist depends on:
Dental hygiene: If dental hygiene is inadequate, children might need to visit the dentist more often.
Risk factors: Some risk factors may include poor diet (e.g., a diet high in sugary drinks or excessive sweets) and genetic factors that may predispose a child to gum problems.
In general, it is recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. However, if a child requires it, the frequency may be greater.
The dentist for different stages of life
During different stages of life, children need different dental care. Here are some considerations for each stage of growth, from toddlerhood to teenagers:
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
The first visit to the dentist should be when the child turns one year old or when the first tooth appears. This allows the dentist to evaluate the gums, teeth, and jaw. In toddlers, it is important to establish a healthy relationship with the dentist from the first visit.
Parents should pay special attention to dental hygiene and oral habit formation of infants and toddlers. Some prevention tips at this age include the following:
Avoid going to bed with a bottle.
Transition from a bottle to a cup from one year of age.
Wash the gums with a washcloth or gauze after eating and before going to bed.
Start brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts.
Avoid giving food that sticks to the teeth, or that contains a lot of sugar.
Parents should keep themselves informed about dental hygiene, visit the dentist every six months, and in case the children need it, visit the dentist more frequently.
Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)
Preschool age is similar to toddlers, with the difference that preschoolers can begin to wash themselves, almost as a game. Children at this age need to continue to develop the habit of brushing their teeth three times a day.
To support them in creating good hygiene habits, parents can play music, stories, and apps, and find other ways to engage preschoolers in brushing their teeth.
Again, dental visits should be every six months, unless children have a lot of cavities, poor dental hygiene, or poor eating habits.
At this stage, visits to the dentist for thumb-sucking issues are also frequent.
Schoolers (Ages 6-12)
School-age involves the falling out of baby teeth, making it crucial that children have regular visits to the dentist at this stage.
At this age, the dentist will probably put sealants on the molars to strengthen them.
In addition, parents are encouraged to take their children to an orthodontist when the permanent teeth and molars begin to erupt. Additionally, to prevent accidental tooth loss, children should wear mouthguards when playing some sports.
If children have many cavities, visits to the dentist should be frequent. If the teeth are healthy and the parents and children follow the recommendations for dental hygiene, one visit every six months will suffice.
Teenagers (Ages 13-18)
As children approach adulthood, it is necessary to evaluate whether wisdom teeth should be extracted. Additionally, many teens have to wear braces or other forms of orthodontic correction at this age.
The frequency of visits to the dentist will continue to be every six months, but will be shortened depending on some factors:
If they need regular orthodontic adjustments.
If they don’t brush their teeth on a regular basis.
Whether they eat a lot of junk food or sweets.
If they need other treatments, such as wisdom teeth removal.
If they have a lot of cavities.
Teenagers may need reminders to brush their teeth, but in general, dental hygiene habits form in childhood. Teenagers benefit most from having role models who care for their teeth at home.
FAQ for parents
Below, we present you with some frequently asked questions for parents:
Your first visit: How to prepare my kid for the dentist?
Parents can help prepare their kids for their first visit to the dentist by playing games, showing videos, and explaining in a calm manner what is going to happen. It is essential for parents to create a good relationship with the dentist and show their kids that there’s nothing to be afraid of.
How can I help my child develop good oral hygiene habits?
Set an example. If parents brush their teeth frequently and develop a routine for their kids, they will develop good hygiene habits too.
What are the best practices for brushing children’s teeth?
Parents need to create routines for brushing children’s teeth. They can angle the brush 45 degrees so that the gums are properly cleaned. Remember that children need supervision until they are at least seven years old.
How often should I replace my child’s toothbrush?
As a rule of thumb, parents need to replace toothbrushes every three months, or when the bristles start to fray. Additionally, parents must ensure that the toothbrush is thoroughly rinsed and dry after each use.
Should my dentist cure baby teeth?
Yes, the dentist should cure baby teeth. However, if a baby tooth is about to fall or if the treatment is too complex or costly, the dentist should consult with the parents to decide on each tooth.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
It is recommended that children visit the dentist every six months. When there are some risk factors involved, such as poor hygiene, the visits should become more frequent.
Visit the Dentist
Parents should support their children in the different stages of their development, and take them to the dentist at least every six months to ensure their dental health. Parents and children need to visit the dentist on a regular basis.
As parents, we often hear conflicting information about our children’s oral health. One common misconception that circulates among parents is the belief that baby teeth don’t matter because they eventually fall out. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite. Pediatric dentistry experts strongly emphasize the importance of baby teeth, and in this article, we aim to debunk this myth and shed light on why these tiny teeth play a crucial role in the development of your child’s oral health.
Myth: Baby Teeth Are Disposable
Baby teeth are indeed temporary, but they serve essential functions during your child’s early years. Here are some reasons why they matter:
Speech Development: Baby teeth help your child form sounds and words correctly. Losing them prematurely due to decay or other issues can hinder speech development.
Proper Nutrition: Chewing is crucial for breaking down food into manageable pieces for digestion. Baby teeth enable your child to eat a varied and balanced diet, which is essential for growth and development.
Space Holders: Baby teeth act as natural space holders for the permanent teeth developing beneath them. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, surrounding teeth may shift, potentially leading to crowding issues when the permanent teeth come in.
Confidence and Social Interaction: Healthy baby teeth contribute to your child’s self-esteem. Children with dental issues may be self-conscious about their smiles and avoid social interactions.
Oral Health Habits: Teaching your child proper oral hygiene from a young age is crucial. Caring for baby teeth sets the foundation for lifelong dental habits.
Myth: Baby Teeth Don’t Get Cavities
Baby teeth are susceptible to decay, just like adult teeth. Tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, and a host of other issues. If left untreated, it can even affect the development of permanent teeth.
Myth: Pediatric Dentists Aren’t Necessary for Baby Teeth
Pediatric dentists specialize in children’s oral health. They are trained to address the unique needs of young patients, including infants and toddlers. Regular visits to a pediatric dentist are essential for monitoring your child’s oral development and preventing dental issues.
Myth: It’s Normal for Children to Experience Toothaches
Toothaches in children are not normal and should never be ignored. Pain can be a sign of dental problems, and timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.
Caring for Your Child’s Baby Teeth
Here we present you five tips to take good care of your child’s smile:
Start Early: Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth even before teeth emerge.
First Dental Visit: Schedule your child’s first dental appointment by their first birthday or when their first tooth emerges.
Oral Hygiene: Teach your child to brush their teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears.
Diet Matters: Limit sugary snacks and drinks and encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Regular Check-Ups: Visit your pediatric dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Steps to Take When Your Child’s Baby Teeth Fall Out.
If the baby tooth is lost, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your child’s baby teeth start falling out:
Stay Calm and Reassure Your Child: Losing a tooth can be a bit scary for kids, so stay calm and reassure them that it’s a natural process.
Gently Remove the Tooth: If the tooth is loose and ready to come out, you can gently wiggle it or let your child do so. Never force a tooth out; it should come out naturally.
Clean the Area: After the tooth comes out, rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to ensure it’s clean.
Apply Pressure if Needed: If there’s bleeding, have your child bite down on a clean gauze pad or a clean piece of cloth for a few minutes. This should help stop the bleeding.
What Not to Do
While it’s essential to know what to do, it’s equally important to understand what not to do:
Do not pull the tooth out forcefully.
Avoid excessive poking or prodding of the loose tooth.
Don’t worry too much if your child swallows a loose tooth; it’s not harmful.
Natural Remedies for Pain
Some children may experience mild discomfort or pain when a tooth is loose or falls out. You can consider these natural remedies to ease the discomfort:
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes.
Offer a soft, cold treat like yogurt or a popsicle.
Encourage your child to rinse their mouth with saltwater (dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water).
How to Mark the Moment?
Many parents like to mark every milestone reached by their children, if this is your case here are some ideas for you:
Keep a Record: Many parents like to keep a record of their child’s lost baby teeth. You can create a special tooth fairy pillow or box where your child can place the tooth for the Tooth Fairy’s visit.
Celebrate the Moment: Losing a tooth is a big deal for a child, so celebrate the moment with a ceremony burning the tooth and pledging to take good care of the rest of their smile.
Schedule a Dental Check-Up
After your child loses a few baby teeth, it’s a good time to schedule a dental check-up with your pediatric dentist. They can assess your child’s oral development and ensure everything is on track.
Baby teeth do matter—a lot! Proper care of these teeth sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. As parents, it’s our responsibility to dispel myths and prioritize our children’s dental well-being from an early age. By understanding the importance of baby teeth and maintaining a healthy dental routine, we can ensure our children’s smiles remain bright and problem-free as they grow.
Remember, healthy baby teeth lead to healthy permanent teeth, and a lifetime of confident smiles for your child.
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