Children are different from adults, and so are their dental concerns. Did you know a newborn child has 20 teeth under his gum line? However, the first tooth appears only between six months to one year old. As a child grows, all the adventure and exploration may also lead to occasional dental problems. Childhood is also a time to form healthy oral care habits that will last them a lifetime.
If not treated initially, dental conditions could lead to severe problems as they grow old. Quite a few dental problems could be like adults’, but since the child’s teeth are still developing, the teeth and gums are soft. Dentists in Thornbury are qualified to address your concerns.
However, here are the four most common dental concerns you should know before visiting the dentist.
Bad Breath
Bad breath or Halitosis could result from bacteria tn the mouth, which is the main reason for bad morning breath in kids and adults. Cases, where this problem persists throughout the day, could indicate gum problems, poor oral hygiene, and dry mouth. Other reasons for bad breath could be chronic sinusitis, diabetes, tooth decay, and digestive issues. Proper oral care could resolve most bad breath problems.
Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay is a widespread childhood concern caused by specific bacteria in the mouth. It produces acids that damage the tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods like candy, cookies, and fruit juice are the main culprits for tooth decay. Try to restrict the consumption of carbohydrate-rich food. Proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste and regular visits to the dentist can prevent tooth decay in kind.
Sensitive Teeth
If consuming hot or cold foodstuff leads to irritation and discomfort in your child, they could suffer from sensitive teeth. Children’s tooth enamel is sensitive; plaque and acid can quickly erode the enamel leading to receding gums. The nerve endings get exposed and result in tooth sensitivity. Consult the dentist to find out if there are undiagnosed cavities or tooth decay.
Grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism is common among school-goers. One reason could be that the top teeth are not aligned well with the bottom teeth. It could be their response to discomforts like teething or earache. It may also be indicative of anxiety or hyperactivity in the child. Usually, this habit may wear off when the child grows; in cases where it persists, it may wear off the permanent teeth, leading to other complications. A pediatric dentist could suggest the proper treatment for your kid.
Conclusion
Treating dental ailments at a younger age prevents future complications. The tendency is to ignore kids’ dental problems because most parents believe the problems will disappear with permanent teeth. This is not true; chronic dental problems at an early age may lead to grave dental problems at an older age; treating those problems could be costly and painful.
