Common Pediatric Dental Problems

Dr. Heather Martinson • June 29, 2024

If your child is two or older, it's recommended that they see a dentist at least once every six months. There are many different dental problems that a child may face, so it's important to get them checked regularly.

Between visits, it's also important to pay attention to your child's teeth and oral health at home. Understanding the potential problems and maintaining great oral health habits can help prevent the need for expensive dental procedures later on.

Keep reading to learn more about the common children's dentistry problems that you should be looking out for.

Tooth Decay

It should come as no shock to you that tooth decay is one of the most common kids' dental health problems. Kids who have a lot of sugar in their diets are especially at risk for developing cavities and tooth decay.

Excessive plaque can cause the decay of the tooth's enamel and can eventually cause the tooth to experience significant issues as well.

If a child has a cavity, they're likely to need a filling from a professional dentist. However, it's also important that kids brush their teeth thoroughly and take better care of them to prevent problems in the future. Be sure that they're brushing to remove plaque and bacteria daily.

Gum Disease

While you may think of gum disease and gingivitis as issues that mostly affect adults, this isn't the case. Kids can suffer from gum disease as well. Gum disease can have a major impact on their dental health.

When your child's gums experience disease it can lead to problems with teeth. It will minimize their protection and they may have a hard time staying in place.

Take note if your child's gums are bleeding or swollen. This could be the beginning of gingivitis. A strong oral care routine and professional help from a dentist will be needed to prevent gum disease from progressing.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is also common among children and can make it difficult for a child to go about their day. They may become distracted by their sensitive tooth, and it may be incredibly uncomfortable for them.

There are many things that can lead to tooth sensitivity problems. It could be caused by tooth decay and cavities, but it may also be the result of teeth grinding, the deterioration of enamel, and more.

Getting pediatric dental care, dealing with the root cause of tooth sensitivity, and taking child cavity prevention steps will be necessary.

Misalignment Problems

Kids also commonly face malocclusion and misalignment issues. If the jaw is misaligned and they have an incorrect bite, they might have trouble with everyday activities such as eating and chewing, speaking, and more.

An orthodontist can help remedy misalignment issues. Your child may need to get an orthodontic treatment to fix a misalignment, such as braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. An orthodontist can help develop a treatment plan that is perfect for your child.

Early Tooth Loss

The loss of baby teeth is to be expected in children, but early tooth loss can be a problem. Common oral hygiene habits can help to prevent this.

If teeth are lost, however, seeing a pediatric dentist will be essential. In this case, a dentist can treat your child and help prevent further tooth loss from occurring.

Dentists can help provide treatments such as dental implants or space maintainers to help with lost teeth. They can also help by cleaning the teeth and introducing good habits that help prevent further tooth loss.

Thumb-Sucking

Excessive thumb-sucking is also something to pay attention to in regards to young toddlers. Too much thumb-sucking can lead to issues with the alignment of the teeth and jaw, so it's best to take steps to prevent this behavior before it goes on for too long and causes problems.

Pediatric dentists can help introduce you and your child to strategies that can help them eliminate this habit so that the teeth and jaw will grow properly. Consider getting early dental care if extensive thumb sucking seems to be a problem with your child.

Tongue Thrusting

Some children may also have problems with tongue thrusting. With this habit, the tongue will push against the back of the teeth while a child is lying down or while they're eating meals.

As a result of this, they may begin to have teeth misalignment issues, difficulty speaking, or an open bite. To correct these issues, it may be necessary for an orthodontist to perform various procedures or it may be necessary to introduce certain tongue exercises to your child.

Paying attention to this behavior and correcting it will be essential for keeping your child's oral health in tip-top shape.

Dental Anxiety

It may not surprise you to learn that many children also experience dental anxiety and are afraid to go to the dentist to get the treatment they need. Pediatric dentists do their best to help curb a child's fear, but it's not always an easy task.

Although they'll provide a calming environment and be friendly and approachable, it can be a challenge to make children comfortable going to the dentist.

To aid in the curbing of dental anxiety, a pediatric dentist can provide extra help such as sedation dentistry techniques. They'll also work hard with your child to help them feel comfortable. They'll speak with them in a relaxed way and provide positive reinforcement.

Preventing These Common Children's Dentistry Problems

If you have kids, be sure that you look out for these common children's dentistry problems. Tooth decay, gum disease, early tooth loss, and other issues should be dealt with as soon as you notice them, so consider looking for a pediatric dentist who can help.

If you're looking for a dentist for children in Arlington, TX, consider choosing Heather E. Martinson, DDS. With over 25 years of experience and a dedication to the local community, Dr. Martinson can help your children get great results on their next visit.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Learn more about what we have to offer and request an appointment at the dental practice of Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.