Common Oral Care Issues in Kids

Summary

Tooth decay, also called cavities, is one of the most common oral health problems in children. Other oral health concerns can include tooth sensitivity, bite or alignment issues, and gum irritation. To help lower the risk of cavities, limit sugary foods and drinks, brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day when teeth touch.

Oral health issues can affect kids at any age. Here are some common concerns to watch for and simple ways to help prevent them.

#1 Oral Care Issues in Kids

Tooth decay, also called cavities, is a common oral health problem in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children ages 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one baby tooth.

More than half of adolescents ages 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one permanent tooth. The best way to help kids of all ages lower their risk of cavities is to follow a thorough oral care routine that includes brushing for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste also helps protect against tooth decay.

Most Common Oral Care Issues in Kids

Apart from cavities, there are other common oral care issues to be on the lookout for to help ensure your child’s dental health stays in good condition.

Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can cause a lot of discomfort including sudden pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Kids are more prone to tooth sensitivity if they have a cavity, grind their teeth, wear braces, or have newly erupted adult teeth.

Pediatric Gingivitis: Gingivitis can occur in children, especially when plaque is not removed well with brushing and flossing. Crowded teeth may make brushing and flossing harder. Signs can include red or swollen gums and bleeding during brushing or flossing.

Overcrowding and Misalignment: Not all children have straight teeth, and some may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as they grow. Misalignment issues include wide gaps, inconsistent spacing, overbite, underbite, and open bite.

Dental Emergencies: Accidents happen especially when kids are active. Teeth can chip or crack which can cause sensitivity, or a tooth can get knocked out. If a dental emergency does occur, contact your child’s dental professional right away.

A good daily oral care routine can help lower the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis by removing plaque before it builds up along the teeth and gums.

Early Oral Care Issues in Babies and Toddlers

Babies can develop oral health issues as well, here are the early dental problems to watch out for:

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Occurs when a baby’s teeth are in constant contact with sugars, usually from milk, formula, and fruit juices. Properly caring for baby teeth and gums can limit the risk of your baby developing tooth decay.

Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use may affect how the teeth and mouth develop if these habits continue for a long time, especially after the permanent teeth begin to come in. In some children, prolonged habits can contribute to bite changes such as an overbite.

Tongue Thrusting: Tongue thrusting occurs when a child pushes their tongue against their front teeth. This can exert pressure on the front teeth which can lead to misalignment and an overbite.

Early Tooth Loss: Tooth decay is often the main culprit of premature tooth loss, along with injury and a lack of space in the jaw. This can cause chewing issues as well as wide gaps between teeth.

Before teeth come in, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth. Once teeth appear, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a ‘smear’ of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old and a “pea-sized” amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.

Encourage Good Habits to Prevent Early Oral Care Problems

Use these simple tips to help support your child’s oral health and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime:

• Limit sugar intake to help prevent tooth decay.
• Use the right amount of fluoride for your child’s age. Use a ‘smear’ of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old and a “pea-sized” amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.
• Ask your child’s dentist whether dental sealants are recommended. Sealants can help protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities.
• Teach kids to brush and floss regularly and properly.
• Try creating ways to make brushing and flossing kids’ teeth fun for your child in order to encourage a good oral health routine.
• If characters help motivate your child, choose an age-appropriate toothbrush they enjoy using consistently.

Closing America’s Smile Gap

Tooth decay affects some children more than others, and differences in income, access to dental care, and other social factors can play a role. In the United States, children from lower-income households are more likely to have cavities than children from higher-income households.

That’s why Oral-B and Crest are making an active effort to end oral care inequity in America by Closing America’s Smile Gap.

Want to get involved? Your purchase of Crest and Oral-B products helps give to a smile in need. Join the cause for additional ways to participate in ending the oral health crisis in America.

Kids Oral Care Dental Hygiene Tips

A healthy mouth starts with the right oral care foundation—and the earlier your child develops good brushing habits, the better equipped they’ll be to maintain a healthy smile for life.

• Power Up: Once your child is old enough for an age-appropriate electric toothbrush, choose one they can use comfortably with your help, and brush twice a day for 2 minutes. A small brush head and soft bristles can help make brushing more comfortable for kids.
• Fluoride Reinforcements: Use a fluoride toothpaste that is right for your child’s age. Use a ‘smear’ of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old and a “pea-sized” amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.
• Make It Fun: If your child enjoys apps or timers, using one during brushing may help keep them engaged for the full 2 minutes.
• Bring on the Floss: Floss your child’s teeth once a day when two teeth are touching to help remove plaque and food from between teeth.
• Visit a Dental Professional: Follow your child’s dentist’s recommended schedule for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Upgrade at Age 6: As your child gets older, you may choose an age-appropriate toothbrush with a small brush head and soft bristles that feels comfortable to use every day.
• Further Prevent Cavities: Use a fluoride toothpaste that is right for your child’s age every day. Use a ‘smear’ of toothpaste for children from 2-3 years old and a “pea-sized” amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.
• Rinse Away: Once your child is 6 or older, your dentist may recommend adding a mild-flavored fluoride mouthwash to their routine. Mouthwash is an extra step for some older children, but it does not replace twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing.
• Perfect for Braces and Permanent Teeth: For teens with braces or changing dental needs, look for an age-appropriate toothbrush that feels comfortable and helps them clean thoroughly around teeth and orthodontic appliances.