Common Dental Issues in Children
Dental health is an essential part of healthy living; for children, it’s even more critical, as emphasized by family dental care in Summit, IL. If dental problems are detected and treated early, it may help you avoid more serious oral health issues. In this article, we have discussed some of the most common name issues in children and how to deal with them effectively. We advise nipping them in the bud since they are treatable initially only through orthodontics treatment.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common dental problems in children. It is caused when bacteria in the mouth use sugars from food and beverages to produce acid, which eats away at tooth enamel over time.
Causes:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Regularly consuming anything sugary or acidic
- Lack of fluoride
- Not weaning your baby off bottles or not transitioning from sippy cups to adult cups after 12 months of age
Early Childhood Caries (ECC)
Early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay) — a serious condition that affects the teeth of infants and young children
Causes:
Having sugary liquids like milk, formula, fruit juice, and sweetened water frequently; while the baby goes to sleep drinking from a bottle.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Gum disease means inflammation of your gums. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque there. If not treated, it can advance to periodontitis: a more advanced stage of gum disease.
Causes:
- Inadequate oral hygiene, resulting in plaque formation
- Genetic predisposition
Malocclusion (misaligned teeth)
misalignment of teeth and jaws, which can impair the ability to chew food, and speak correctly, cause abnormal wear on the muscles that control chewing by making open bites, and lead to a plethora of associated dental problems though there is no objective medical definition.
Causes:
- Genetics
- Long-term thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Early loss of primary teeth
- Injuries
Tooth Sensitivity
It is referred to as pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures.
Causes:
- Tooth decay
- erosion of enamel from eating acidic foods or drinking certain beverages
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Dental Injuries
Because children are active and certainly at risk for dental injuries from instances like falls as well as sports, or even from simple accidents.
Causes:
Falling and impact while playing or participating in sports
Advanced dental care ensures that your child has preventive oral care, regular dentist check-ups, and early treatments if you have identified any problems. Once you understand the most common dental problems your child is likely to experience, and how to treat them as they occur, you can ensure that a happy smile lasts a lifetime. Consult a pediatric dentist for more customized guidance and treatment plans according to your child’s requirements.
