The Most Common Kids Dental Problems
Children are often not too fond of taking care of their teeth. Baby teeth are more porous and softer than adult teeth, so they develop problems more frequently. Missing even a small fragment of plaque when brushing could quickly turn into a cavity.
Their teeth will inevitably fall out to make room for their permanent, adult teeth. But dental problems they have as kids can lead to long term damage to their teeth and gums. As a parent, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the most common kids’ dental problems. That way, you can recognize the signs and identify the issues in their early stages.
Table of Contents
1. Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is extremely common with children and can wear away at their primary and permanent teeth. The wearing away of enamel can cause teeth to chip and become overly sensitive. Grinding can also lead to severe headaches and muscular pain.
Teeth grinding has a few different causes. If your child is stressed or hyperactive, they may subconsciously grind their teeth as a coping mechanism. It may also happen if their jaws aren’t aligned or in response to physical pain within the body. Identifying the cause will help you get to the root of the problem. The experts at kewroaddental.co.uk can discuss options with you, such as mouthguards, to prevent grinding while they sleep.
2. Canker sores
Canker sores are small ulcers that form on the inside of the mouth and the tongue. They are small but painful blisters that make it uncomfortable for your child to eat or drink. It’s not known for certain what causes these sores in children. Though they will go away, eventually, there are some things you can do to reduce the pain. These tips will also limit the chances of them returning:
- Avoid foods with high acidity or spice
- Use a mouthwash with SLS
- Brush with soft-bristled toothbrushes
- Use topical anesthetic products
3. Cavities
Cavities are the most common dental problem in children. Cavities are caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth, which slowly eats away at the enamel. Plaque is exceptionally sticky and therefore maintains contact with the surface of the tooth and causing decay.
Plaque loves processed sugar and ingesting candy, and soft drinks will encourage the plaque to grow. Limit your child’s consumption of sweets and practice consistent oral hygiene with them. They should be brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent the spread of plaque.
4. Bad Breath
While it’s common to have bad breath in the morning, if the smell persists after brushing, there may be a problem. Bacteria that live within the mouth feast on plaque and food particles, which causes them to create hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide causes bad breath. When there’s an influx of bacteria, then you will have persistent bad breath.
Bacteria build-up in the mouth is caused by bad dental hygiene, tooth decay, and digestive problems. If you notice your child always had bad breath, it could indicate a more significant issue, and it may be time to see the dentist. Try an anti-bacterial mouthwash after their regular brushing and flossing routine. Also, have them start brushing their tongue to remove any extra bacteria there.