If you’re a parent, you may be wondering what dental issues are the most common in kids, and how you can keep your child’s mouth healthy. So in this blog from Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll explore a few of the most common childhood dental issues, and explain the basics about each one.
Cavities are the #1 most common preventable chronic childhood disease in kids between the ages of 6 and 19. Cavities happen when a sugar-rich diet meets improper oral hygiene. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, then excrete acid as part of their digestive process. This acid slowly destroys the outer layer of the tooth, leading to a cavity.
Proper at-home oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities. Your child should also eat a healthy diet low in sugar, and see a pediatric dentist like Dr. Brock every six months for a checkup. This ensures they can get the appropriate treatment if a cavity is starting to form.
Patients of all ages can develop sensitive teeth, and that includes kids. There are a lot of different factors that could contribute to tooth sensitivity in children. A few of them include:
Sensitive teeth are not necessarily harmful, but can be uncomfortable. It’s best to consult with a pediatric dentist like Dr. Jason Brock to identify the root cause of your child’s sensitivity and seek appropriate treatment.
Gum disease (gingivitis) is a lot less common in kids than it is in adults. But it can happen. Gum disease is caused by improper oral hygiene. As bacteria build up in the mouth, they infect the gums. This makes them swell up and become tender and inflamed. The gums may also look dark and discolored. Bad breath (halitosis) is a common sign of gum disease, too. The good news is that gum disease is usually reversible in kids with proper at-home oral hygiene and deep cleaning from a dentist like Dr. Jason Brock.
Kids get hurt all the time when playing sports, on playgrounds, or just horsing around with friends. Because of this, oral injuries are very common in kids. They may cut their gums or oral tissues, break or crack a tooth, or even knock out a tooth completely.
There are some ways to reduce risk, like having your child wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports, or during high-risk hobbies like skateboarding. But emergencies are not always preventable, so make sure you have an emergency dentist in Houston that offers same-day emergency care. An emergency dentist can diagnose, treat, and restore your child’s mouth after their injury, and get them back to their routine right away.
Some orthodontic problems are genetic, like missing lateral incisors. Others are caused by certain childhood oral health habits, like an improper swallow or excessive thumb-sucking. It can be hard to detect these problems on your own, which is why kids should get an orthodontic consultation between the ages of 6-7.
At an orthodontic consultation, a dentist can examine your child’s baby teeth, gums, and bite. Then, they will diagnose any potential problems, and discuss possible treatment options. Early orthodontic intervention can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run, so make sure your child gets the treatment they need.
Beyond good at-home oral hygiene and a healthy diet, seeing a pediatric dentist in Houston like Big Picture Pediatric Dentistry is the best way to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Our team will keep a close eye on their oral health, and we’re always here for emergencies, too. Give us a call at (281) 461-7470 or contact us online to schedule your appointment in Houston today.
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