Common Dental Problems in Children in Canada
Kids grow fast, and their teeth do too. That’s why some dental problems show up often in childhood. The good news is most issues can be prevented with strong daily habits, smart food choices, and regular dental checkups with a Canadian dentist.
What are the most common dental problems in children?
The most common are cavities, gingivitis (red, puffy gums), tooth sensitivity, habits like thumb-sucking or long pacifier use, early loss of baby teeth, and bite problems (malocclusion). Prevention includes brushing, flossing, fluoride, sealants, a tooth-friendly diet, mouthguards, and routine visits.
“The Canadian Dental Association encourages the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age.” — Canadian Dental Association
Cavities: what causes them and how to stop them
Cavities happen when bacteria in plaque turn sugars into acid. These acids weaken enamel (the tooth’s hard outer layer). Over time, soft spots become holes. Many early cavities don’t hurt, so routine checkups are key to catching problems early.
Early signs parents can spot
Watch for white, chalky areas, brown spots, food getting stuck in grooves, or complaints of pain when chewing. A child who avoids using one side to bite may also have a tender tooth.
Prevention that works
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a rice-sized smear for children under three, and a pea-sized amount for ages three to six. Floss once a day as soon as two teeth touch. Offer water often (tap water may be fluoridated depending on your city). Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and avoid sipping on juice or sports drinks between meals.
Dental sealants protect the deep grooves of back teeth where food and bacteria hide. Professional fluoride treatments help repair weak enamel. For a simple, age-by-age routine you can follow at home, see best practices for kids’ dental care.
Treatment your dentist may recommend
If your child has a small cavity, a filling can stop decay and restore the tooth. For deeper decay, your dentist may use a protective base, a stainless-steel crown, or in some cases a gentle baby-tooth root treatment to save the tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally.
Gingivitis: red, puffy, or bleeding gums
Gingivitis is gum inflammation caused by plaque that sits along the gumline. You might see redness, swelling, or bleeding when brushing or flossing. The good news: gingivitis is reversible.
How to calm inflamed gums
Brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline using small circles. Floss daily. Rinse with water after snacks. Regular professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that toothbrushes can’t. Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables to help scrub teeth and boost saliva, and keep sugary snacks to a minimum.
Sensitivity: zings to cold and sweet
Kids can feel sharp, brief pain to cold, hot, or sweet foods. Causes include enamel wear from acidic drinks, early cavities, or gum irritation that exposes root surfaces. Night grinding (bruxism) can also make teeth sensitive.
Home steps
Switch to a soft toothbrush and gentle pressure. Try a sensitivity toothpaste (it blocks tiny pathways to the tooth’s nerve). Cut back on acidic drinks like soda, sports drinks, and some juices. Encourage rinsing with water after any acidic food or drink and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
When to book a visit
If sensitivity lasts more than two weeks, or your child points to a specific tooth, see your dentist. It could be a cavity, enamel erosion, or a cracked filling that needs care.
Thumb-sucking and long pacifier use
Comfort habits are common in early childhood. But if thumb-sucking or pacifier use continues past the toddler years, it can affect how the teeth line up and how the upper jaw grows. You may notice front teeth tipping forward or a gap where the front teeth don’t meet.
Gentle ways to break the habit
Start by limiting the habit to bedtime. Offer small rewards for progress and use positive reminders instead of pressure. Praise effort, not perfection. If the habit continues past age three to four, talk to your dentist for personalized strategies.
Early loss of baby teeth: why space matters
Baby teeth guide adult teeth into the right spots. If a baby tooth is lost too soon—because of decay or an injury—nearby teeth can drift into the empty space. When the adult tooth arrives, there might not be enough room, which can lead to crowding or a crooked bite.
Holding space for the future
Your dentist may suggest a small device called a space maintainer to keep the gap open until the adult tooth appears. This can lower the chance of bigger orthodontic problems later. Learn the process and care tips in why your child might need a space maintainer.
Malocclusion: when the bite is off
Malocclusion means the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together well. Causes include genetics, long-term thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, early tooth loss, and jaw growth patterns. Signs include crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or trouble chewing clearly.
When to see an orthodontist
Many dentists recommend a first orthodontic check around age seven, when the front adult teeth and first molars erupt. Early guidance doesn’t always mean braces right away; sometimes monitoring growth and making small changes at the right time is best.
Daily habits that protect kids’ teeth
Brushing and flossing by age
Brush twice daily for two minutes. Use a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste under age three and a pea-sized amount from ages three to six. Floss once a day as soon as two teeth touch. Most children need adult help with brushing and flossing until they can tie their shoes or write neatly (often around ages seven to eight).
Fluoride and sealants for added protection
Fluoride strengthens enamel and can repair early damage. Your dental team may suggest in-office fluoride or dental sealants on back teeth to block food and bacteria from deep grooves. These simple steps are fast, painless, and very effective in reducing cavities.
Food, drinks, and lunchbox ideas
Limit frequent snacking and sticky treats (they cling to grooves and feed bacteria). Offer water, milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts, and crunchy fruits and vegetables. Keep juice small and with meals. After acidic foods, rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
Sports and safety
For hockey, basketball, and other contact sports, wear a well-fitted mouthguard to lower the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth. If your child has braces, ask your dentist about a custom mouthguard designed to fit over brackets and wires.
Kid-friendly, confidence-building visits
Regular dental checkups help catch small issues early and keep visits short and comfortable. Child-focused dental teams use friendly language, calm spaces, and simple explanations to reduce fear. Learn how these visits build healthy routines in pediatric dentistry and building healthy habits early.
Plaque and enamel erosion: the acid effect
Acidic drinks (soda, sports drinks, flavoured waters, some juices) can dissolve minerals from enamel. Over time, teeth may look yellow, feel sensitive, and wear faster. To protect enamel, limit acidic drinks, use a straw, rinse with water after, and wait before brushing.
Fluoride safety made simple
Fluoride in toothpaste and in-office treatments is safe when used as directed and helps prevent cavities across all ages. Use the right amount for your child’s age and teach them to spit, not swallow. If you’re unsure about fluoride in your local tap water, ask your dental team for guidance.
When to call the dentist right away
Call the dentist for severe toothache, facial swelling, a knocked-out or badly chipped tooth, or if your child has a mouth injury that won’t stop bleeding. Fast care can save a tooth and prevent serious infection.
Conclusion
Cavities, gingivitis, sensitivity, habit-related changes, early tooth loss, and bite problems are common in childhood—but they’re also highly preventable. Focus on brushing and flossing, fluoride and sealants when needed, tooth-friendly food choices, sports mouthguards, and regular checkups. For step-by-step home routines that make daily care easier, explore best practices for kids’ dental care and keep building strong habits one small win at a time.
FAQ
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children do well with checkups every six months. Kids with higher risk—like frequent cavities, braces, or certain medical conditions—may need visits more often. Your dentist will set the right schedule.
When should my child start going to the dentist?
By their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits help spot issues, offer brushing tips, and make the dental office feel familiar and safe.
Are dental sealants safe and worth it?
Yes. Sealants are thin protective coatings for back teeth that block food and bacteria from deep grooves. They’re quick, painless, and can significantly reduce cavity risk.
Is sensitivity toothpaste safe for kids?
Yes, many are safe. Check labels and ask your dentist for a recommendation. If sensitivity doesn’t improve in two weeks, book a visit to rule out a cavity or enamel erosion.
When should thumb-sucking stop?
Most kids stop on their own between ages two and four. If the habit continues past age three to four, your dentist can suggest gentle strategies to protect bite and speech. If a baby tooth is lost early, read why your child might need a space maintainer.
How can I make dental care easier at home?
Use a two-minute timer or favourite song. Let kids choose brush colour and toothpaste flavour. Keep a small kit in the backpack for busy days. For an age-by-age checklist, see best practices for kids’ dental care.
