Is it common for 3 year olds to have cavities?

It happens: It's not super common, but it does happen. Most of the time i see this, it's because they are going to sleep with a bottle/sippie cup or aren't brushing properly (ie. Parents aren't brushing for them). At three yrs old, oral hygiene is very important since its sets the tone for how they will approach their oral health and dental visits for the rest of their life.

Yes: You would be surprised. But our practice sees at least one child between the ages of 2-5 yrs old with multiple cavities. But not all cavities need to treated right away. Sometimes topicals or mouth rinses can be used. Talk to your dentist, or seek out a pediatric dentist.