Children are constantly growing and developing, which can put them at an increased risk of developing a dental problem. Many oral conditions that children may experience in their young years can lead to permanent tooth damage and issues with the jaw. In order to avoid the risks of poor dental health, parents need to be aware of these most common dental problems in children.
Having a routine dental examination with a Cumming, GA pediatric dentist can help in the process of detecting problems and getting any necessary treatment started early. Research shows that one of the most common dental problems in children is tooth decay. This can occur when the teeth are not properly cleaned, or if a child often has sugary food or drinks. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection and damage to the teeth.
We will now see into the most common dental problems in children.
- Tooth decay
Tooth decay can cause tooth loss, severe toothaches, and painful gum disease. It is strongly related to diet. The main reason for tooth decay is the lack of proper brushing and flossing. Most children do not take daily brushing seriously. Parents should take initiative in building a regular dental hygiene routine for children.
- Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem among children. Sensitivity means that the tooth cannot withstand even the slightest changes in temperature or liquids such as cold water, hot drinks, and even air. It is not painful, but some children feel itchy and uncomfortable when drinking cold drinks or eating ice cream. The main reason behind tooth sensitivity is a failure in proper brushing.
- Gingivitis and gum diseases
Gingivitis and gum diseases are also common dental problems in children. Symptoms include swollen and bleeding gums, red and irritated tongue, bleeding while brushing and difficulty chewing. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor dental hygiene.
- Excessive thumb sucking
Excessive thumb sucking is one of the most common dental problems in children. The child may suck his or her thumb continuously, even after falling asleep. There are many health conditions that could arise due to excessive thumb sucking.
- Orthodontic problems
Orthodontic problems are a common dental problem among children. It is sometimes a sign of developmental delay if it persists after the child grows up. Orthodontic problems are usually caused by excessive force during tooth grinding in early childhood.
