As a parent, it can be difficult to ensure your kids are taking care of their teeth and prioritizing oral hygiene on a daily basis. But by familiarizing yourself with common tooth problems, you can be on the lookout for a number of warning signs and, as a result, know when to seek advise from a pediatric Dentist near you. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about the 7 common tooth problems in kids and when to see a Dentist.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay and early childhood caries are the most common tooth problems in Children, Dr. Soha Sharif a pediatric dentist in Brisbane says. According to a recent study, 20% of children between the ages of five to 11 suffer from untreated tooth decay. As a result, it should be one of the main conditions you should be on the lookout for whilst brushing and flossing your kid’s teeth and accompanying them to the dentist. It is caused by a particular type of bacteria that lives and breeds in the mouth and triggers the onset of a thick, sticky substance called plaque. If caught in time, however, tooth decay is entirely preventable and treatable. By encouraging proper brushing and flossing and bi-annual trips to the dentist, you can protect your kid’s teeth from minor or major tooth decay.
Bad breath
Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, can be caused by eating certain foods but it can also point to the existence of an underlying condition. This is why you must seek a dentist’s opinion if the problem persists for a prolonged period. It is, much like tooth decay, caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on any lingering food particles, fluid, and plaque and produce hydrogen sulphide. This is, essentially, what produces an unpleasant smell and contributes to bad breath. If you are concerned, it may be worth asking your dentist if your kid shows any gum problems symptoms, suffers from poor oral hygiene or has a dry mouth. If this is the case, they may prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash and encourage brushing the tongue and the teeth.
Tooth grinding
Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is a common problem amongst kids under 10 ten years old. It usually develops due to misaligned teeth or as an involuntary response to pain, stress, or hyperactivity elsewhere in the body. If you think your child may be grinding their teeth, a Dentist Brisbane based or elsewhere should be able to inform you of the tell-tale signs and prescribe a suitable course of action. It doesn’t tend to require immediate or invasive treatment and can is typically no longer a problem when a kid reaches their teens. It can, however, gradually wear away at primary and permanent teeth and result in muscular or tooth pain or sensitive or chipped teeth over time. A night guard worn nightly may be able to alleviate the problem or, at the very least, slow down the rate of progression until it is no longer a problem.
Sensitive teeth
As a kid grows, they may develop sensitive teeth. This is when hot or cold foods, fluids or air trigger an unpleasant reaction and cause immediate irritation or discomfort. This may materialize with your kid refusing to eat or drink certain foods or fluids. Sensitive teeth, in themselves, are not necessarily a problem but can indicate the presence of an underlying condition. It is a common myth that only older elderly people suffer from sensitive teeth. As children’s enamel is thinner than adults’ and can be worn down easily by plaque and acid, they are the age group most at risk. If your kid has sensitive teeth, it may benefit you to ask your dentist if they believe they have an undiagnosed cavity or are in the early stages of tooth decay. A dentist Brisbane based or elsewhere will have seen their fair share of patients with sensitive teeth over the years and be able to recommend a suitable treatment option.
Gum disease
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is the name given to excessive inflammation of the gums. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene and can progress to tooth loss and bone damage if left untreated for a prolonged period. For example, as plaque and tartar deposits gradually build-up, your kid’s gums can appear swollen and red or even recede from their teeth over time. One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums. By knowing what to look out for, you can seek a dentist’s opinion and prevent the problem from worsening.
It can be difficult to monitor your kid’s mouth for a number of common tooth problems. But by doing so, you can promote good oral hygiene and know when to seek a dentist’s opinion. You should be on the lookout for tooth decay, bad breath, tooth grinding, sensitive teeth, and gum disease. We hope you enjoy this collaborative post.
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