There’s no doubt that parents always want what’s best for their children, but some aspects of their health are easier to overlook. Part of the things that may confuse concerned parents includes how much dental care a child needs, especially when it comes to establishing proper dental hygiene at a young age. 

Even when your kid knows the importance of brushing twice a day, there are still dental problems that can plague children as young as one-year-old. With that in mind, knowing the common dental issues your kids may face should help you address these concerns over the years: 

1. Tooth Decay 

Most children regularly brush their teeth, but that doesn’t mean the action of brushing and flossing will be proficient enough to fulfill its purpose. Not to mention, most kids are susceptible to developing cavities due to a sugar-heavy diet, which children can get from milk, soda, and other treats. 

When children fail to remove the plaque that builds upon the surface and in between their teeth, it can quickly wear down the enamel and result in tooth decay. Removing cavities is not only an expensive process, but it can be extremely stressful for your child. 

Supervising your children as they brush their teeth is one way to ensure they practice proper brushing techniques and mitigate the risk of developing cavities. 

2. Tooth Sensitivity 

Another common dental issue in children is the development of tooth sensitivity, which is often triggered by cavities, newly erupted permanent teeth, wear-and-tear on the tooth enamel, teeth grinding, or a cracked filling. 

It can be an irritating condition that can interrupt your child’s ability to focus, so it’s crucial to see a pediatric dentist as soon as the symptoms occur. 

3. Early Tooth Loss

When your kid loses their baby tooth way before a permanent tooth is ready to pop out, then it’s a red flag that something is amiss with their dental health. The loss of a baby tooth can indicate underlying problems with their jaw, which can negatively impact the rest of their permanent teeth once they’re ready to come in. 

4. Tongue Thrusting 

When your toddler starts to stick their tongue out, it’s easy to think it’s an adorable and harmless action. However, this action can be a sign of orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), which can negatively compromise your child’s speech abilities as they grow older. Be sure to visit your child’s pediatric dentist as soon as you notice them thrusting their tongue. 

The Bottom Line: Understanding the Common Dental Problems that can Affect your Child

Getting a head start on your child’s dental care is critical if you want them to maintain good oral health as they grow older. By knowing the common issues to expect, you can spot the symptoms in its early stages and ensure your kid can get the best dental treatment that can clear their cavities. 

Why Choose Us?

Caring for your smile is critical to your confidence and overall health. When it comes to dealing with emergency dental problems, get in touch with our expert dentists in South Edmonton at Edmonton Smiles. 

We offer a wide range of services including dentistry for kids, so give us a call at 587-410-5907 for a free consultation. We strive to give you a one-of-a-kind smile!

Posted in Dental News & Advice