Did you know that 13 percent of children in the United States of America have untreated cavities? There are a number of dental conditions that you need to be aware of as a parent when it comes to oral health problems in children. Dental problems are an issue across all ages, but kids’ dental problems can lead to bigger issues down the road.
The good news is that it is easy to identify dental problems in children early and ensure that they get the proper care and treatment that they deserve. You only need to know the signs of issues when it comes to the oral health of your children.
Luckily, you’re in the right place to learn about the most common dental problems in children. Continue reading to learn more.
Tooth Decay
One of the most common dental conditions that children experience is tooth decay or cavities. These happen in large part because children aren’t great at brushing their teeth at a young age. They need supervision and help from parents or guardians to make sure that they’re flossing and brushing the right way in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Another big factor when it comes to cavities and tooth decay is that many children have diets that are high in sugar content. Sugar speeds up the process of tooth decay. When combined with poor brushing it opens the door to cavities in your child’s teeth.
It is a good idea to supervise and help with brushing your child’s teeth until they have a good grasp of the concept and a strong ability to control the toothbrush. Do your best to make sure that they remove food particles and plaque buildup on their teeth.
Another great way to combat this and keep the oral health of your children high is to visit a pediatric dentist near me for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.
Tooth Sensitivity
No one likes having sensitive teeth. At best it is annoying and frustrating, and at worst it is debilitating. There are a number of different factors that play into tooth sensitivity in children. One of the best ways to prevent tooth sensitivity in children is to take them for regular checkups with your dentist.
One of the big reasons that your child’s teeth are feeling more sensitive is cavities. Another big cause is when your child’s permanent teeth start to come in and break through the gums. Acidic erosion and damage caused to the enamel of the teeth will also cause increased sensitivity in your child’s teeth.
There are a number of different approaches that you should consider for your child’s tooth sensitivity and pain. If the cause is dental conditions like cavities then you should take your child to a dentist to get the cavities filled.
Pediatric Gingivitis
Many people think that gingivitis is an issue that only adults face, but children also can suffer from gingivitis. It is one of the most common dental conditions that children deal with. Gingivitis is one of the early warning signs that your child is heading towards suffering from gum disease.
You’ll notice that your child has gingivitis if their gums have a red and puffy appearance. You’ll also notice small amounts of bleeding when your kid brushes their teeth or flosses. Kids with bad dental hygiene are much more susceptible to getting gum disease. It could cause recession of the gums and mouth pain if it continues progressing.
The best way to avoid getting gingivitis is to have your child brush and floss their teeth on a daily basis. Gingivitis can also cause your kid’s teeth to grow crooked or in a crowded manner which will lead to other issues later in life.
Orthodontic Problems
Kids rarely have their teeth grow in a perfect way. There is often the need for help from an orthodontist to help your child get straight teeth. The biggest reason behind orthodontic problems is your genetics. This determines the shape and the size of your child’s jaw which helps to determine how their teeth come in.
There are a number of alignment issues when it comes to orthodontic problems in children. Some kids have an overbite or an underbite. Others have spacing problems with their teeth which makes them more difficult to keep clean.
The best age to take your child to their first orthodontic appointment is around the age of seven or eight. While you’ll want your kid to have a perfect smile, orthodontic problems lead to much bigger issues down the road if they’re not corrected. It can lead to problems with the jaw and even cracked teeth if not corrected.
Excessive Thumb Sucking
It is normal for infants and young children to suck their thumb as a way to handle anxiety in their lives. This isn’t a problem at a young age when it comes to dental conditions but if it continues when they’re older then it will have a negative impact on how their teeth develop.
It is important that you prevent your child from continuing to suck their thumb after a certain age. This will help your child’s teeth grow and develop in a way that will keep future issues from happening. The most common cause of excessive thumb sucking is an open bite.
An open bite occurs when the top teeth and the bottom teeth don’t come together when your child tries to close their mouth. This leaves a gap between the top teeth and the bottom teeth. Your child will have a difficult time chewing food or learning how to speak as a result of the open bite.
Look Out for These Dental Conditions In Your Children
There are a number of dental conditions and issues that you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to the oral health of your children. Prevent excessive thumb-sucking to prevent the development of an open bite. You should also supervise and help with the brushing and flossing of your children’s teeth to prevent cavities and gingivitis.
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