Parents always want the best for their children, especially when it comes to their oral health. To avoid the most common dental problems that kids suffer, it’s important to develop a good dental care routine from the moment their first tooth emerges. Dental problems affect children of all ages which is why preventive care is very important. In this blog, our dentists at South Airdrie Smiles have provided a list of common dental issues that affect children.
Common Dental Problems in Children
Cavities
Brushing and flossing without supervision are difficult for most kids. Cavities can become a serious problem when combined with the fact that some children’s diets are high in sugar. When sticky plaque builds upon the surface of the teeth, it causes tooth decay. Until children can hold and control a toothbrush on their own, parents should supervise and assist them in brushing their teeth. Ensure that your children brush their teeth every day to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles. This will help to avoid early tooth decay. You can consult your Airdrie dentist for the correct brushing technique
Dental Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth can be unpleasant and distracting, causing your child’s focus and routine to be disrupted. Tooth sensitivity in children can be caused by a variety of reasons, so it’s important to visit the dental office to find out the cause
- Cavities
- New permanent teeth
- Enamel erosion
- Bruxism
- Missing dental filling
- Orthodontic procedures
If the sensitivity is caused by a dental issue, such as a cavity, you should contact your pediatric dentist in Airdrie as soon as possible to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is very common for kids and this helps them to get rid of their fears and worries. It isn’t a problem until the child is older and still sucking his or her thumb, as long-term thumb sucking can affect the development of a child’s teeth. As a result, parents should discourage their children from continuing this habit. Excessive thumb-sucking could lead to the formation of an open bite. This makes it very difficult for your children to bite and chew easily and might also affect their speech and diction.
Orthodontic Issues
Only a small percentage of children have completely straight teeth without any help. Fortunately, there are a variety of orthodontic treatments that can help your child or teenager smile confidently. Orthodontic issues could develop due to several reasons. Some common issues that children might suffer from due to misaligned teeth structure are overbite, underbite, open bite, and gaps between the teeth. Jaw problems, fractured teeth, and oral health problems can all be caused by significant overcrowding and misalignment of your child’s teeth. You should consult your Airdrie dentist if your child suffers from such issues without any hesitation.
Gum Infection
Gum disease occurs in both children and adults. Swollen tissues and bleeding gums are just a few of the signs of a gum infection. Gum disease is more severe in kids who don’t brush their teeth. Pain in the mouth, gum recession, and swelling are all common symptoms. Gum infection can be prevented if regular brushing and flossing are done regularly. In some cases, your child’s teeth may become so crooked and crowded that they are unable to clean them properly, leading to periodontal infection.
We hope this information helps you to make better decisions regarding your child’s dental health. Book an appointment with us at South Airdrie Smiles if you are looking for the best pediatric dentistry in Airdrie, AB.
