Did you know over half of the kids between the ages of 6 and 8 have at least one cavity in a baby tooth?There are lots of things that are important to attend to regarding your children’s health. One of these is dentistry. Many parents, however, overlook their child’s oral health.
This is a huge mistake. Neglecting oral care for your child can lead to bigger problems.To avoid this, see below for the signs that your child needs to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
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Cavities
Cavities can be a sign that your child needs to visit a pediatric dentist, as they can cause pain and discomfort. Cavities can form on the surface or between teeth, or even underneath the tooth.
Unfortunately, young children are especially prone to cavities because they may not understand proper oral hygiene. They are too young to care for their teeth and gums.
A visit to a local pediatric dental care is important because the dentist are trained to understand the needs and behavior of children and can spot cavities. They provide the treatments, such as fillings and sealants, to avoid further and more grave damage.
The pediatric dentist can also suggest preventive measures. These include regular brushing and flossing and teaching proper diet and nutrition to help prevent cavities.
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Tooth Pain
It is best not to ignore this pain, as child toothache can state a deeper issue with your child’s oral health. Poor oral hygiene can leave your child exposed to cavities, which can cause a lot of pain. There could be something wrong with the existing filling, or there could be decay that shifted to the pulp of the tooth.
Visiting a pediatric dentist will help diagnose the cause of the toothache. Also, they help prevent future tooth pain from occurring.
The pediatric dentist will plan a course of action, like filling cavities or installing dental crowns. This reduces the pain and protects your child’s teeth. Pediatric dentists also offer preventative care to help cut the risk of tooth decay.
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Bad Breath
Bad breath is often a sign of a more serious dental health problem. Your child may need to see a pediatric dentist if they are experiencing chronic bad breath. Having bad breath causes embarrassment for the child and can lead to social difficulties.
When a child’s breath smells bad, it can be caused by plaque buildup, oral infections, and poor oral hygiene. Pediatric dentists can detect an underlying problem that may be the cause of your child’s bad breath.
The dentist will examine your child’s mouth, paying particular attention to the gums, tongue, and other areas. These can cause problems such as periodontal disease or decay might be present.
If the dentist finds any potential signs of a dental issue, they will recommend the appropriate treatment. They ensure your child’s mouth is healthy before bad breath becomes a chronic issue.
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Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a condition that affects many children. They usually occur in young children while sleeping. Some may grind their teeth during the day too.
A pediatric dentist will be able to diagnose the root cause of the condition, whether it is physical, mental, or even nutritional. They can then give advice and discuss the best course of treatment for your child. The treatment often includes mouth guards and regular checkups with the dentist.
If the teeth grinding becomes a continued problem, the pediatric dentist can also refer your child to another suitable doctor or therapist.
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Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity in children is when they experience persistent pain in their teeth without any other worrisome symptoms. Signs include a child feeling pain while drinking hot, cold, or sweet liquids. Also, it can be from eating certain foods.
If your child’s teeth become more sensitive to temperature, pressure, or sweet food than usual, it is an indicator of an issue that requires professional dental help. Pediatric dentists provide treatment to restore the enamel layer. And reduce the discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity.
They also provide treatments such as desensitizing agents, fluoride varnishes, fissure sealing, and composite resin restorations. It will reduce the sensitivity and protect the teeth from further damage.
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Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation or gingivitis can harm your child’s oral health. Symptoms can include red and swollen gums in children that hurt when touched. Another symptom is child bleeding gums during and after brushing and flossing or halitosis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease.
Children should visit their pediatric dentist if they exhibit any of these signs. The dentist can then evaluate the inflammation, apply treatments, and offer advice on the prevention of further gum inflammation.
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Discolored or Yellowed Teeth
With childhood comes sugary foods, sugary drinks, and other lifestyle habits that can contribute to a child’s teeth changing color. Also, children may be experiencing tooth decay or other dental problems.
Tooth decay from plaque and bacteria can be seen as discolored teeth or yellow spots beneath the gum line. If left untreated, this decay can spread to other teeth and threaten a child’s health.
Visit a pediatric dentist to get an examination and discuss potential treatments. They will diagnose and determine the cause of the discolorization. Treatment options may include an antibacterial wash, topical fluoride, or deep cleaning if there is bacterial growth.
In more extreme cases, the pediatric dentist may recommend a root canal or crown to restore the color and shape of the tooth.
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Difficulty or Discomfort With Chewing
Difficulty or discomfort while chewing may be a sign of a larger issue. This includes an underlying dental condition or an injury to the jaw, teeth, or mouth. Chewing is an essential part of enjoying food. If your child is experiencing difficulty or discomfort while chewing, they may be limiting the type of foods they eat, missing out on essential nutrition.
Dental visits can help rule out any dental conditions that can contribute to difficulty or discomfort while chewing. They prescribe treatment when needed and address issues before they worsen.
Take Your Child to Pediatric Dentist Today
Visiting a pediatric dentist is crucial for your child’s overall dental health. If your child is experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. These signs are cavities, tooth pain, bad breath, teeth grinding, tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, discolored teeth, and difficulty chewing.
Start your child’s lifelong oral health by visiting a pediatric dentist today!
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