Discover the most common kids’ dental problems and how you can prevent them from happening in your family.

Your child’s oral health plays a big role in their life. From your baby getting their first tooth to your child getting their first adult tooth to your teen’s journey with braces, teeth can really signify major milestones as your child grows up.

To ensure your child has their best smile possible throughout their childhood and into adulthood, it’s helpful to know what oral health issues are most common in kids as well as how you can help prevent them from occurring.

Here are the 4 most common dental problems kids experience, including causes, treatment options, and tips for prevention.

1. Tooth Decay

Just like adults, the most common of dental problems for kids is tooth decay. An estimated 42% of children under the age of 11 have caries (cavities) on their primary teeth and 21% have caries on their adult teeth.

Causes

The two biggest causes of tooth decay are poor oral hygiene and poor nutrition. Forgetting to brush and overindulging in sweet treats can cause havoc when left unchecked, especially since baby teeth develop cavities faster than adult teeth.

Treatment

Thankfully, when tooth decay is caught early on it’s usually easily treated. Getting a filling is generally the go-to fix for a cavity, although larger cavities may require a crown. Your child’s dentist will certainly address decay issues on permanent teeth, but minor decay on a primary tooth may simply be supervised. This is generally the case when your child will be losing the tooth soon as their adult tooth comes in.

Prevention

Encourage your kids to brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Introduce flossing as soon as your child’s dentist recommends it and use ADA-recommended anti-cavity products designed for kids. Schedule check-ups every six months or as recommended by their dentist, and ask about dental sealants. Last but not least, limit your child’s sugar intake, especially candy, soda, acidic foods, and juices.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, isn’t just an issue for adults. Pediatric gum disease is surprisingly prevalent, especially once kids enter puberty. The most common symptoms include gum recession, tenderness and bleeding after brushing or flossing, and gums that appear swollen, puffy, or red.

Causes

Gum disease generally begins as chronic gum inflammation from plaque build-up around the teeth. This chronic inflammation is known as gingivitis. If left untreated it will turn into periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage. The surge of hormones during puberty can also trigger gum disease due to increased blood flow and sensitivity in the mouth.

Treatment

Gum disease is treated through periotherapy, including regular deep cleanings and, if an infection is active, a course of antibiotics. If your child’s dentist discovers that they have gum disease, they will often recommend a strict at-home care regimen coupled with more frequent hygiene visits, such as cleanings every three months instead of every six months. If damage has already occurred, your child’s dentist will address those problems in the most effective manner possible. 

Prevention

Similarly to cavity prevention, gum disease prevention is best done through a great at-home oral care regimen. Supervise youngsters while they’re brushing and don’t hesitate to check in on older kids to make sure they are getting their twice-daily brushing in. Don’t delay on their biannual cleanings and, if you’re concerned about gum disease due to family history, share this with their dentist.

3. Misaligned Teeth or Bite

About 75% of orthodontic patients in the US are under 18 and most are receiving treatment for crooked adult teeth. Mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth in very young kids aren’t generally a big concern, as crooked baby teeth don’t necessarily mean crooked adult teeth. However, if your child’s adult teeth are erupting crooked or their bite alignment begins to change, orthodontic treatment is generally recommended. 

Causes

Misaligned teeth and a misaligned bite (i.e. over- or underbite) can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics often plays a significant role, but impact injuries, premature loss of primary teeth, and thumb-sucking or pacifier habits can also cause crookedness and bite alignment issues.

Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is generally the only treatment option for alignment issues with the teeth and jaw. If you notice your child’s baby teeth and new adult teeth seem crooked, consult your child’s dentist right away.

Prevention

Crooked teeth and bite alignment issues can’t always be prevented in the case of genetics, but other causes can be addressed. Proper oral care and regular dental appointments will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that could wind up causing premature tooth loss. Kids that play sports should also wear a mouthguard to prevent injury-related tooth loss. If your child is still using a pacifier or thumbsucking after the age of four, it’s a good idea to transition them from this habit with the help of their dentist or pediatrician. 

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can mean a few different things for kids, ranging from natural teething to a more serious symptom of bigger dental problems. 

Causes

Kids can experience sensitivity as their primary teeth come in (teething) as well as when their permanent teeth begin to replace their primary teeth. Sensitivity can also occur as a symptom of untreated tooth decay, misaligned teeth, or tooth damage in the form of bruxism or a cracked tooth.

Treatment

Treatment of tooth sensitivity is directly dependent on what’s causing the discomfort. In the case of teething or sensitivity related to adult teeth coming in, managing the pain and tenderness is key. Sensitivity related to tooth damage or decay will be addressed when their dentist fixes the underlying dental problems.

If your child is experiencing sensitivity combined with jaw soreness, be sure to bring this up with their dentist as they may have bruxism (teeth grinding).

Prevention

Sensitivity related to teething and natural tooth loss can’t be prevented, but your dentist can help you and your child prepare for handling the discomfort when it occurs. Bruxism also can’t generally be prevented, but it can be managed through the use of mouthguards and even orthodontic care. Older kids and teens with chronic tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold food items, can benefit from using a toothpaste designed for sensitivity.

Protect your kids’ oral health with regular dental appointments at We Make Kids Smile.

A nutritious diet and a meticulous at-home oral care regimen go a long way in helping your kids keep their smiles healthy, but don’t forget about the importance of regular dental appointments.

Kids of all ages, starting from when they get their first tooth, should see their dentist at least every six months for an exam and cleaning. These routine appointments are vital for catching early signs of dental problems before they become severe and they help your kids develop a trusting, comfortable relationship with dentists.

When you’re ready to book an appointment for your child, make a call to your closest We Make Kids Smile office. We have offices in both Waldorf, MD, and Frederick, MD. If your family is new to our practice, feel free to fill out our New Patient Form before your child’s appointment.