Maintaining toddler dental health may seem daunting, but understanding common dental issues and taking preventive steps can significantly ease the process.
As parents, ensuring the dental health of your toddlers is crucial to nurturing their overall health. Although their baby teeth are temporary, they play a significant role in helping children speak and chew food properly. Understanding the common dental issues in toddlers is the first step toward prevention and treatment.

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I cannot express how grateful we are for Dr. Thoms and his team! Their sensitivity, expertise, and dedication made a potentially challenging dental experience for our daughter as comfortable and stress-free as possible (for her AND us!).
We were very impressed by Dr. Thoms' thoroughness in explaining the procedure and his willingness to answer all of our questions, alleviating any anxieties we had. The ability to be present by our daughter's side as she was falling asleep was a huge comfort factor.
We felt a sense of genuine care and compassion towards our daughter and felt that they treated her as if she was one of their own. Dr. Thoms and his team clearly go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care and makes a complex dental procedure feel safe, comfortable, and even reassuring. A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Thoms and his team!
If your dental phobia and dental issues have made you feel hopeless ... I encourage you to contact the DAC for a consultation. That's what I did 17 years ago - and it proved to be a very good decision and a true blessing.
I started taking my kids here when they needed procedures under anesthesia. Once my former dentist retired (and I realized the DAC also does family dentistry), I switched the entire family to this office. Best decision I ever made.
I’m also so impressed with the experience this team has treating individuals with special needs.
I skipped going to the dentist for 6 years and what a mistake that was. Everyone at this office is extremely nice and a pleasure to deal with.
Laina, their hygenist is awesome even though she is a Cubs fan. I actually look forward to my 3 month cleanings now and will not miss another.
Dr. Thoms and his team (I requested Julie as an assistant I would do the same :)) were amazing. As I said I skipped going for 6 years so I had some work to be done and chose to be put to sleep instead of 4 visits. They make sure you are as comfortable as possible and even take the time to check up on you after to make sure you are healing properly.
Last but not least, Marie and the entire front office are great. Always a pleasure to deal with and are very accommodating. They are the face of the operation and the tone of the visit is set with them. The amount of care and compassion they show the patients in the waiting room is beyond extraordinary.
The process went well, and the services were outstanding. Everyone was polite and empathetic, from the front desk receptionist to the dentists. The customer service was excellent. I rarely post reviews, but I do so because I want others to know that they can trust and feel safe with their care. The Dental Anesthesia Center comes highly recommended from this mama bear.
My five year old had to have extensive dental work done and from start to finish the dental anesthesia center delivered five star work !
Going to the dentist is scary enough but having to take your own child to be put under was next level and the care he received from the nurses and dr was mind easing.
Here are ten common dental problems faced by toddlers and suggestions on ways to tackle them:
1. Tooth Decay:
- Tooth decay, often seen as cavities, is a common problem in toddlers. It primarily arises from sugar-laden diets and poor dental hygiene.
- Prevention: Maintain a balanced diet and establish a good oral hygiene routine, including regular dental check-ups.
2. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:
- This occurs when babies’ teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids. It commonly affects the upper front teeth.
- Prevention: Avoid putting your toddler to bed with a bottle, or ensure it only contains water.
3. Teething Discomfort:
- As new teeth emerge, toddlers may experience discomfort, irritability, or tenderness in the gums.
- Management: Offer a clean teething ring or cold washcloth to soothe the gums.
4. Gum Disease:
- Gum disease, or gingivitis, may arise from prolonged plaque buildup leading to inflamed gums.
- Prevention: Ensure thorough tooth brushing to keep plaque at bay.
5. Thumb Sucking:
- Persistent thumb sucking can lead to misaligned teeth and alter the shape of the mouth.
- Management: Encourage your toddler to stop thumb-sucking and consult a dentist.
6. Early Tooth Loss:
- Accidents or severe tooth decay can lead to early tooth loss, affecting permanent teeth’ spacing.
- Management: Seek a dentist’s advice on space maintainers to ensure proper spacing for permanent teeth.
7. Over-retained Primary Teeth:
- Sometimes, baby teeth do not fall out in time for the permanent teeth to erupt, which can cause crowding or impaction.
- Management: Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the progress of teeth eruption.
8. Tongue Thrusting:
- Repeatedly thrusting the tongue against teeth when swallowing can cause misalignment.
- Management: A dentist can suggest exercises or devices to correct the swallowing pattern.
9. Lip Sucking and Tongue Tie:
- Both can interfere with speech and eating. Lip sucking can misalign teeth, while tongue ties can hinder speech and eating.
- Management: Consultation with a dentist or speech therapist may be necessary for treatment.
10. Overbites and Underbites:
- Misalignment issues can cause problems with eating and speech.
- Management: Early orthodontic evaluation is essential to correct bite problems.
While the journey of maintaining toddler dental health may seem daunting, understanding common dental issues and taking preventive steps can significantly ease the process. Regular dental check-ups, a balanced diet, and a thorough oral hygiene routine are fundamental in fostering a healthy dental foundation for your toddler. Remember, early intervention can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.