Two of the most common dental problems of children are tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Tooth decay is caused by a) plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and b) by food containing sugar and starches.

The plaque bacteria combines with the sugar and starch to produce an acid that attacks teeth and breaks down enamel. The result? Tooth decay, premature tooth loss and cavities.

Plaque buildup on teeth can also cause periodontal (gum) disease. 39% of all children are affected by some form of periodontal disease! In addition, studies indicate that many periodontal problems of adults are the result of neglected oral care when they were children.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in plaque. Left unchecked, it can irritate gums and lead to bone and tooth loss.

Other dental problems that could affect your child are baby bottle tooth decay and prolonged thumbsucking.

A baby can easily develop cavities if his/her teeth are frequently exposed to milk (including breast milk), fruit juice, formula or other sugary liquids.

In addition, dental problems may occur if your child sucks his/her thumb for prolonged periods of time after permanent teeth have come in. These problems could affect the alignment of the teeth and the growth of the mouth.