When should you start looking for a pediatric dentist in Zebulon? Pediatric dentists suggest that you find one the moment your child’s first tooth erupts. A pediatric dentist can answer all your questions about your child’s dental health.
Many parents make the mistake of ignoring minor dental problems in their children without realizing that these seemingly trivial issues can potentially cause permanent damage to their teeth and gums as they grow older. Even if your child’s teeth are not permanent, you still need to address them.
What Are the Most Common Dental Issues in Children
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Did you know that tooth decay is considered one of America’s most common childhood diseases? When cavities aren’t treated, they can lead to pain and infection, making it hard to speak and eat. It will also affect their mood.
CDC reports reveal that more than 50% of children aged between six and eight have at least one cavity in their baby teeth. Meanwhile, adolescents aged between 12 and 19 have at least a single cavity in their permanent teeth.
Regardless of age, cavities should be treated as soon as they are detected. The good news is that they are 100% preventable as long as you assist your child in brushing and flossing their teeth.
We recommend you supervise your children to ensure they use the proper brushing strokes and the correct flossing technique. Taking them to a pediatric dentist for preventive dentistry will also lower their risk of developing cavities and tooth decay.
Bad Breath
Sad to say, your baby’s sweet-smelling breath doesn’t last forever. Their breath can smell depending on what they are eating or drinking. By the time you start introducing foods and drinks other than milk, you can expect their breath to smell like that of adults.
The best way to avoid bad breath is to brush their teeth in the morning.
Morning breath results from bacteria, plaque and food debris that have accumulated during the night while they sleep. If bad breath continues to be a problem, pediatric dentists recommend swishing it with mouthwash.
Also, when brushing, remind your child to include their tongue as it harbors hundreds of odor-causing bacteria. If they are brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash and the problem persists, you need to consult with a pediatric dentist to find out what’s causing the problem.
Tooth Sensitivity
Does your child grimace after drinking a cold glass of orange juice? It’s not because it didn’t taste nice It might be because it caused tooth pain. Dentists call this tooth sensitivity. Exposure to hot or cold foods and drinks can lead to pain when your child has sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity can be an underlying symptom of a dental problem like receding gums or tooth decay. Make sure your child uses a toothbrush with soft bristles to deal with tooth sensitivity.
Hard-bristled toothbrushes can cause enamel erosion, and if your child continues using one, tooth sensitivity is a likely outcome. A dental visit for tooth sensitivity is helpful as it allows the pediatric dentist to apply a sealant over your child’s teeth to protect the grooves and pits that trigger pain.
Thumb-Sucking
Babies thumb-suck to self-soothe. While it’s okay for babies to do that, parents should be wary and discourage thumb sucking as they grow older. Thumb-sucking can negatively impact your child’s oral health, especially if their permanent teeth have already erupted.
Over time, their teeth will shift and result in an overbite. An incorrect bite can open your child up to other oral problems. Taking your child to a pediatric dentist can be helpful since they can offer tips on how to break the habit.
Tongue Thrusting
When babies switch from bottles and breastfeeding to solid foods, their tongues and mouths move differently as they attempt to swallow. Unfortunately, as they grow, they continue thrusting their tongues forward. This habit will eventually lead to speech development problems and improper tooth growth.
Teeth Grinding
Kids often subconsciously grind their teeth as a form of coping mechanism when their baby teeth erupt. Most times, children outgrow this behavior, but unfortunately, some develop an unhealthy habit of teeth grinding.
If teeth grinding isn’t stopped, it will eventually lead to premature enamel erosion. Talking to a pediatric dentist can help prevent teeth grinding. Usually, they advise parents to let their kids wear night guards.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Zebulon?
One of the best ways to protect your child’s dental health is to partner with a pediatric dentist. At Tyron Family Dentistry, we love building long-term relationships with our patients. We make sure to give personalized attention and care in our clean and modern office. Contact us today for an appointment.
