What Is the #1 Dental Problem in Children?

Pediatric dental issues are similar to adults but need proper attention to ensure the developing teeth do not incur damage from infections affecting everyone. Children’s teeth are at a higher risk of developing problems that, if left untreated, result in poor dental health and misaligned teeth.

If you want to stay ahead of child dental health, you must make an effort to understand the common dental problems in kids and how to prevent them. If you do not have information on the same, this article provides information on how to care for your child’s teeth and gums.

What Are the Early Signs of Dental Problems?

The early signs of dental problems in children are similar to those in adults. They might have bad breath, mouth and jaw pain, bleeding and sore gums, loose or lost teeth, mouth sores, patches, and lumps. These are signs that something is wrong in your child’s mouth and requires attention from children’s dentistry in Heath, TX, as soon as possible.

Approximately 90 percent of diseases occurring in the body cause symptoms in the mouth, making the dentist the first line of defense for spotting severe health problems developing silently in the body. Therefore if your child complains of the above signs, you help them by scheduling an appointment with the Heath pediatric dentist.

Children’s Dental Problems to Watch out

• Tooth Decay: Cavities are the most familiar dental issue in children. The CDC confirms that children between five and 11 have at least one decaying or decayed tooth. When bacteria accumulate in children’s mouths, it quickly converts into dental plaque, eating away the enamel and resulting in holes in the teeth. Thankfully tooth decay is entirely preventable through regular brushing and flossing, besides maintaining a healthy diet by limiting sugar and carbohydrate intake that contributes to cavities developing on the teeth.
• Halitosis: everyone develops halitosis at some time. However, if your child has persistent lousy breath, they are most likely to have underlying conditions. Bad breath results from bacterial buildup in the mouth feeding on food particles and plaque emitting foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide. There are many causes why your child might develop halitosis. Some examples include poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, digestion issues, and medications. The optimal way to prevent halitosis is to practice appropriate oral hygiene and schedule regular pediatric dentistry procedures like cleanings and exams to eliminate the lousy breath.
• Sensitive Teeth: if your child develops discomfort from hot and cold foods or air, they might have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth affect adults, but the problem is not limited only to a certain age. Children can also develop the issue because of the thinner enamel on their teeth, making them vulnerable system making it vulnerable to wearing down faster from enamel erosion caused by dental plaque. Pediatric dentists use procedures like dental sealants to fix the affected parts of the teeth and recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing.
• Gingivitis: children are also prone to having gum disease in their mouth, leaving them with inflamed gums because of poor dental hygiene. Gum disease can cause bone deterioration because when plaque accumulates below the gumline, it irritates the gums resulting in red and swollen gums. The gums start to recede over time and bleed easily when brushing and flossing.
• Bruxism: bruxism resulting in teeth grinding and clenching affects children like adults. Bruxism results from teeth misalignment, stress, and a response to pain. Bruxism doesn’t require treatment unless it persists and causes damage to primary and secondary teeth. The symptoms of this condition also because jaw pain, headaches, and sensitivity. The child’s pediatric dentist prescribes night guards customized for the child’s mouth to help move this problem.

How Can I Improve My Child’s Dental Health?

Healthy teeth are essential for your child’s overall health. They help your child to eat and talk. In addition, proper dental hygiene practices help develop good dental hygiene habits lasting for life. In addition, excellent dental health in children promotes social development. If you intend to improve your child’s dental health, take them to the pediatric dentist when their first tooth erupts at age one. Start brushing their teeth twice a day and schedule appointments with the dentist at six monthly intervals or as suggested by the professional.

Supervise your child’s dental health until they are six or seven and capable of brushing and flossing themselves. Limit your child from having sugary foods and beverages to prevent the common dental infections affecting their mouths. If you educate your child about good dental hygiene habits, they will develop the habit of caring for their teeth and enjoying their smile throughout their lives.

Arc 32 Family Dentistry suggests children receive appropriate dental care from infancy until adolescence, with parents supervising them throughout. If your child is affected by the signs discussed in this article, kindly arrange a consultation with the dental practice to treat the issue as soon as possible.