10 Most Common Dental Problems in Kids

The first few years of life are the years when children get to learn, explore and grow. These years form the foundation for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, these important formative years can sometimes also be troublesome for children because of dental issues. A chipped tooth or cavities can be painful and hinder their development. Hence, it is important to schedule regular checkups with the best pediatric dentist in Carlsbad to ensure that your little one enjoys their childhood to the fullest.

10 Dental Issues To Look out for in Kids

Several of the dental issues that occur in children are the same ones that occur in adults. However, kids’ teeth are still developing, so they tend to be at a higher risk of developing major dental problems. Apart from visiting the Pediatric Dental Specialist in Carlsbad every six months or so, having an understanding of the problems would also help you in preventing them. The following are the 10 most common issues in children:

1. Tooth Decay

Young children aren’t very adept at keeping up a dental care routine without supervision and this might result in cavities. Food particles that get stuck between the teeth and in crevices result in bacteria that eat away at the enamel. This results in the development of cavities.

2. Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be distracting as well as uncomfortable which can result in disruption of children’s routine and focus. Sensitivity can result from decay, acid erosion of enamel, teeth grinding, or cracks in teeth. In case of sensitivity, it is advisable to visit Carlsbad Pediatric Dental Care to prevent it from worsening.

3. Dental-Related Accidents

Dental-related accidents can take place at any time — playing with friends, jumping around the house, participating in sports, etc. This can result in chipped or cracked teeth, sensitivity, a loose tooth, etc. In any of these cases, it is advisable to visit the dentist to avoid long-term pain.

4. Gum Disease and Gingivitis

One might think that gum diseases are only a bane for adults but unfortunately, they are quite common in children as well. Gingivitis is a precursor to a gum disease and it is marked by swollen gums, and slight bleeding in them. Gum disease usually occurs in children that have poor oral hygiene.

5. Malocclusion

It is highly unlikely for children to have naturally aligned teeth without any interventions. Malocclusion, also known as bad bites, essentially refers to instances where your upper teeth and lower teeth don’t a;ign properly. Hence, it is recommended to take your children for their first orthodontic appointment around seven or eight years of age so that the orthodontist can start the treatment at the earliest possible.

6. Thumb Sucking

It is common for infants and toddlers to indulge in thumb sucking as a means to soothe them. However, this habit can result in dental issues if they continue doing so even after they’ve turned 3. Prolonged thumb sucking can impact the way a child’s teeth develop. It can result in an open bite, making it difficult for the child to chew or bite.

7. Dental Anxiety

There’s a lot of anxiety in kids around dentist visits thanks to popular media and horror stories from peers. This can make it difficult to get your child to visit the dentist for regular checkups. The easiest way to address this is to make an appointment with Carlsbad Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric dentists are specially trained for handling dental issues in kids and are more capable of making the experience relaxed and even fun for your kids

8. Grinding

Children tend to grind their teeth when the permanent teeth start erupting. However, some children continue with the habit even after their teeth develop and this can erode the tooth enamel resulting in decay.

9. Bad Breath

Bad breath can affect people of any age and is essentially a result of the bacteria that live in the mouth. Also known as halitosis, it is caused by the bacterial colonies feeding on the food that gets stuck in the teeth. Bad breath in the morning is quite common, but if it keeps persisting throughout the day, you should consider visiting a dentist.

10. Loss of Baby Teeth

The loss of baby teeth is a natural process, and they usually fall out on their own. However, if they refuse to fall out naturally and cause pain, then it is advisable to consult your dentist.

Also Read: Top 5 Nutrition Tips for Kids’ Oral Health

Conclusion

Whether your little one needs dental care or orthodontic treatment, it is advisable to take them to a pediatric dentist or orthodontist. Their special training helps them in addressing the needs of your child more effectively. You can make an appointment with Carlsbad Pediatric Smiles and provide your kid with an anxiety-free dental experience.