Children’s oral health is essential to their overall health and well-being. Sometimes, they tend to ignore taking care of their mouths and indulge in various other habits that are unhealthy for their mouths. Unfortunately, this gives rise to various dental problems. Dental problems are common in children and can lead to pain, infection, and other serious health problems.
Childhood is a time of development, openness to new experiences, discovery, adventure, and generally crazy stuff. These playful activities could sometimes result in dental problems like broken teeth, cavities, tooth sensitivity, etc. Several other dental problems can affect children; untreated issues may lead to serious health problems.
It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of those problems. Additionally, knowing how to prevent and treat these problems is crucial.
Read about 6 of the common dental problems in children and what you can do to help your child avoid these problems.
- Bad Breath: Bad breath problem is the most common problem in children. It can occur due to poor oral hygiene, unhealthy diet, cavities, dry mouth, and even eating stinky or leftover food. These all are the symptoms of bad breath.
Cure & Prevention:
- Good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath. To cure bad breath, you must keep your mouth clean.
- Brush twice a day and floss regularly. Flossing once a day helps get rid of particles wedged between your teeth.
- You must brush your tongue to keep bacteria away.
- Drink plenty of water. Stay away from sweet and caffeinated beverages like cola and coffee, and avoid leftovers and smelly foods. These might give out a nasty smell around you.
- A home remedy is also available for bad breath.
2. Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is one of those disorders that can be harmful if left untreated. It is essential to comprehend how anyone may recognize its symptoms. Children who eat sugary or sticky foods, have poor oral hygiene, or have an increased rate of cavities are at risk for tooth decay. It’s possible to experience soreness while swallowing food or drinks.
Cure & Prevention:
- After the age of 3, it is important to brush thoroughly and floss regularly.
- Use the proper quantity of toothpaste while brushing.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils.
- Avoid food that is sticky or too sweet.
- Visit your dentist every six months for dental check-ups.
3. Cracked/Broken Teeth: Many things can cause a tooth to crack. Physical injuries, teeth grinding, and exerting force when chewing food can break the teeth. It’s crucial to prevent cavities because overly large cavity fillings can damage the teeth’s structure and lead to cracks in the teeth. Cracked teeth are the most common reason for tooth loss.
Cure & Prevention:
- Although cracked teeth can’t always be prevented, several measures can be helpful.
- Avoiding items that are difficult to chew, such as ice and unpropped popcorn kernels.
- Putting an end to habits like clenching teeth or nibbling on pens that could harm the teeth.
- Attempting not to grind one’s teeth.
- Using a mouthguard while participating in sports to protect the teeth.
- A dentist can offer efficient preventive treatments if a child clenches or grinds his teeth being asleep.
4. Teeth Grinding: Many children have this habit, but some outgrow it without any problem. Though some kids grind their teeth for the following reasons: Tooth sensitivity while eating or drinking, headaches, teething pain, noises of teeth grinding while you sleep or when teeth are improperly aligned.
Cure & Prevention:
- Ensure your child brushes their teeth.
- Avoid giving your child any drinks containing caffeine, colas, or chocolate.
- Decrease your child’s stress, especially before going to bed.
- Try massage therapy and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.
- Make your child drink plenty of water, as dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding.
- Ask your dentist to monitor your child’s teeth if they continue grinding.
5. Gingivitis: The most common symptoms of gingivitis in children are bleeding gums while brushing or flossing teeth, red or swollen gums, tooth pain or sensitivity towards hot or cold food, and bad breath. If any of these issues are left untreated, they can all cause severe gum disorders.
Cure & Prevention:
- A healthy diet leads to healthy teeth.
- Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can reduce gum swelling.
- Help your child to brush correctly and twice a day.
- Brushing after eating sticky and sweetened food is strongly recommended.
- Taking your child to a pediatric dentist can play a vital role in solving gingivitis.
- The dentist will educate you and your child about correct brushing and flossing techniques.
6. Orthodontic Problems: Children’s teeth are rarely straight. From an early age, you may notice an overbite or underbite, early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulties in chewing or speaking, teeth grinding, mouth breathing, cheek biting or biting into the mouth’s roof, crowding of the teeth, etc., in your child.
Cure & Prevention:
- There are several orthodontic treatments available to treat such conditions.
- You should seek an early orthodontic consultation and help your child have normal and healthy teeth.
- Early consultation will prevent other dental issues in the future.
- Your dentist will monitor your child’s teeth and recommend suitable orthodontic treatments.
In addition to these issues, children also struggle with dental phobia and anxiety when seeking care and visiting the dentist. Parents and dentists must work together to educate kids about the value of regular dental check-ups and oral health.
Consult the most experienced dentist in Surat if your child has any such problem. Make an appointment for your child’s dental examination straight away.