What are toddler teeth issues?

Toddler teeth issues might include:

• dummy use, thumb-sucking and teeth-grinding
• enamel hypomineralisation
• injuries to the teeth and mouth
• teething
• tooth decay.

Dummies, teeth-grinding and thumb-sucking

Dummy use

Many toddlers still love their dummies. But it might be a good idea to encourage your toddler to let go of the dummy at this stage.

Teeth-grinding

Teeth-grinding is common in toddlers and usually doesn’t need treatment. Some toddlers clench their jaws quite firmly, and others grind their teeth so hard that it makes a noise. Some toddlers grind their teeth during sleep. Often, they don’t wake up when they do it – but other people do!

Most of the time, teeth-grinding doesn’t last and won’t damage your toddler’s teeth. But it could lead to your toddler wearing down their teeth. If it keeps going or you’re concerned, you might want to talk to your dentist.

Thumb-sucking

Sucking thumbs or fingers is a natural reflex in babies and young children. Most children grow out of thumb-sucking and finger-sucking around 2-4 years of age.

Enamel hypomineralisation

Enamel hypomineralisation is when the outer surfaces of teeth have fewer minerals than usual. As a result, teeth are weak and might break down.

Teeth with enamel hypomineralisation have white, yellow or brown patches. They might also be sensitive to cold and brushing.

Baby teeth aren’t often affected by enamel hypomineralisation, but it can happen. If you think your child has enamel hypomineralisation, it’s important for them to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can help to stop your child’s teeth from breaking down even more.

Injuries to teeth

Injuries to your toddler’s teeth and face can happen once they start walking, running and climbing. It’s important to take your toddler to a dentist or hospital emergency department if your toddler damages their teeth or face.

If your toddler knocks out a baby tooth or their tooth moves out of its usual position, don’t try to put it back in, because this can damage the adult tooth that’s developing under the gum.

Losing a baby tooth before it’s ready to come out usually isn’t a serious dental problem, but it’s important to take your toddler to the dentist immediately for a check-up. Take the knocked-out tooth too.

The dentist can reassure you and your toddler that an adult tooth will eventually fill the space and that any pain or tenderness will soon go.

Teething in toddlers

Many people think that ‘teething’ toddlers:

• cry a lot or seem extra cranky
• don’t feed as well as usual
• suck on objects like toys, dummies and bibs
• have more dirty nappies
• pull the ear on the same side as the tooth coming through.

These signs might be caused by teething – or they might just be part of development or a result of minor infections and illnesses.

Occasionally, teething toddlers might get eruption cysts. These are small, fluid-filled bubbles that appear on the gums where the tooth is about to come through. They’re harmless and usually not painful. They usually go away on their own, so they don’t need treatment. But it’s always a good idea to see your dentist if you’re concerned.

Teething: how to soothe a teething toddler

If you’re concerned about your toddler’s teething, you could try these tips:

• Give your toddler something to bite on, like a toothbrush, dummy or cold but not frozen teething ring.
• Offer your toddler mushier foods, which need less chewing.
• Give your toddler something firm, like a sugar-free rusk, to suck on.

Teething gels aren’t usually recommended because they probably don’t help to ease pain. Also, it also can be difficult to control teething gel doses, so they can have harmful side effects like poisoning.

If your toddler isn’t well, it’s always best to take them to the GP or your child and family health nurse – especially if your toddler has a fever or diarrhoea or you’re worried about any other symptoms. Teething might not be the problem.

Tooth decay in toddlers

Tooth decay is a diet-related disease that damages teeth.

Signs of tooth decay include white patches or brown spots on teeth, holes in teeth or broken teeth.

You can prevent tooth decay in your toddler by taking 3 key steps:

• Clean your toddler’s teeth and gums twice a day – in the morning and at night.
• Offer your toddler a healthy, low-sugar diet and encourage healthy eating habits.
• Care for your toddler’s dental health by taking them for regular dental check-ups.