Dental health in children should never be neglected as it can transform into serious complications as the child grows up. While dentists recommend healthy oral hygiene habits for children early on, dental health can oftentimes deteriorate owing to unhealthy eating habits, thumb sucking, or not brushing or flossing regularly.
Keep reading the article to learn more about the common dental issues children face and how to address them!
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Common Dental Issues in Children
Here are some of the commonly reported dental health issues in children:
1. Tooth Decay
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in children according to research. Tooth decay can be caused by the excess consumption of sugary foods and beverages like candies, chocolate, soft drinks, and sweets that children adore.
When children fail to brush or floss their teeth properly sugary remains can get mixed with bacteria in the mouth creating an acid that gradually erodes the enamel.
This decay can sometimes exacerbate and cause further problems if not treated on time. If the tooth decay worsens and progresses to the next layer of the tooth beneath the enamel (dentin) your child may need more invasive treatments than a simple filling.
To prevent tooth decay, keep a check on how much sugary and processed foods your child is consuming while ensuring that they are properly brushing their teeth after every meal.
2. Gum Disease
Periodontal disease also called gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects both children and adults.
The most common form of gum disease in children is gingivitis, which can result from poor oral hygiene. Gingivitis can lead to red, swollen, puffy, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not addressed on time it can lead to bone loss or tooth loss.
Children should be encouraged to brush and floss regularly to prevent gingivitis and more severe gum diseases. Also visit a dentist regularly to diagnose any signs of periodontal disease so that it can be treated early on.
3. Teeth Grinding
Bruxism or teeth grinding is another common dental health concern in children. Some children may intentionally (for example, due to stress) or unintentionally (in sleep) grind or clench their teeth.
This habit can lead to several dental issues, such as chipped or worn-out teeth, headaches, and jaw pain. To deal with bruxism parents are advised to keep their children relaxed before bed. For example, you can read them a story or play their favorite song.
Stress-induced bruxism can be reduced by talking to your child about what’s bothering them and helping them in any way you can. Some dentists may recommend wearing mouth guards which is another effective way to prevent teeth grinding in children.
4. Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a habit often associated with children that can be hard to get rid of. It may go away on its own sometimes but if it persists it can be a cause for concern. Once the child’s permanent teeth start to erupt, habits such as thumb-sucking can lead to misalignment issues.
You can break this habit by politely reminding your kids to stop if you catch them sucking their thumb. Scolding is not recommended. Thumb sucking may also be a response to stress; hence stress-reducing techniques, as well as parental support and reassurance, can help children overcome it.
5. Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity in children can result from a range of issues such as cavities, enamel erosion, or new teeth. If your child is experiencing pain when eating hot or cold foods visit a dentist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
6. Misaligned Teeth
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth in children are often caused due to genetics, but other factors such as thumb sucking can also lead to their development. An orthodontist can recommend the best treatment for misaligned teeth, such as braces or aligners.
7. Early Tooth Loss
Spacing problems can arise if your baby teeth fall out earlier than usual whether due to decay, injury or other causes. This can lead to spacing issues when the child’s permanent teeth start to appear. Space maintainers are often recommended by dentists in this regard to prevent misalignment issues.
Addressing Dental Issues in Children
To preserve the dental health of children and promote healthy smiles, you can do the following:
- Encourage children to brush their teeth regularly with a good quality fluoride toothpaste such as Pronamel, designed specifically for kids.
- Encourage regular and proper flossing
- Limiting the intake of sugary snacks, drinks, and processed food while ensuring your child receives a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet
- Take your child to the dentist after regular intervals starting from when their first tooth appears.
Taking these steps can help prevent common dental issues and keep your child’s smile bright and healthy!
