Marcus Richards
It is important that you teach your children how to practice good oral hygiene as young as possible. Besides regular cleaning of the teeth, children should also consume sugary food and drinks in small quantities and visit a dental professional as early as two years of age. Note that a child’s oral health care should be imbibed as a lifestyle rather than a compulsory task. This way they instinctively always care for their teeth. In this article, you will see the five most common dental problems for kids and how to prevent them.
1. Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common dental problem in kids, and it may be chronic or acute, depending on the case. In most cases, bad breath occurs when children practice poor oral hygiene. When children eat without brushing at least twice a day, bacteria begin to eat the food debris stuck in their teeth. As bacteria feed off these food remnants, an offensive odor is released. Sometimes, bad breath may occur due to tooth decay or gum disease.
Prevention
- Kids should brush their mouths thoroughly at least twice a day.
- Sugary food should be eaten in moderation
- Kids should be reminded on a regular basis of how important good oral health is
- Purchase an antibacterial mouthwash for older kids.
2. Tooth Decay
When bacteria feed on the remnants of food and drinks stuck in your kid’s teeth, they release a strong acid. This acid doesn’t only destroy the enamel of the tooth but also causes it to decay. Most times, tooth decay occurs when the child takes in many sugary foods and drinks. If your child’s tooth is decayed, you will notice a black, brown, or yellow band close to the gum. If the entire tooth is black or brown, the decay has become chronic.
Prevention
- Kids between the ages of 18 months to 6 years should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste while being assisted with teeth brushing
- Ask a dentist to recommend the best toothpaste for your kids
- Take your kids to the dentist very often to detect early signs of tooth decay before it becomes advanced.
- Ensure your kids use toothpaste that contains fluoride because it helps strengthen teeth.
3. Cavities
Another common dental problem in kids is cavities. Even though they are often mistaken for tooth decay, they are not the same. Unlike tooth decay, cavities cause holes to appear in the affected tooth. However, they are caused by remnants of sugary foods and drinks stuck in the teeth. Signs of cavities include dark spots on the tooth and sensitivity to cold or hot food.
To Prevent It:
- Ensure your kids visit a dentist for a routine checkup every six months
- Replace sugary foods and drinks consumed by your children with healthier alternative
- If your children don’t have teeth, use a soft cloth to clean their gums after each meal
4. Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection that affects the gum tissues. This infection results from bacteria mixing with remnants of food and drinks in the mouth. When this infection occurs, the gums become irritated and inflamed. Because bacteria are also present in the mouth of kids, gum disease also affects them. Some of the symptoms include bad breath and bleeding gums.
Tips to Prevent It:
- Teach your children about the importance of good oral hygiene
- Monitor your child’s sugar intake
- Always check your children’s gums to detect any sign of swelling.
- Plan routine dental checkups for your kids.
5. Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity can cause your kids to react after eating hot, cold, or sugary foods. This happens when the tissue beneath the tooth’s enamel becomes exposed. Some of the causes of tooth sensitivity include the development of permanent teeth, tooth decay, and cavities.
To Prevent It:
- Buy a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for kids above the age of 12.
- Consult with a dentist if there are cracks or chips on your kid’s teeth.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to clean the mouth of your kids.
- Your child should use a toothbrush with a soft bristle to prevent the teeth’s surface damage.
Conclusion
Dental problems do not affect adults only. You need to prioritize your kid’s oral health by maintaining good hygienic practices and scheduling routine trips to the dentist. This will prevent your kids from having any dental problems discussed in this article. If you have more inquiries or would like to speak with a professional dentist with experience in kids’ oral health, visit Sublime Dentistry. As an alternative, you can also do a quick internet search for phrases like “dentist near me Valencia‘ or “dentist near me” to find a dental expert that you can easily visit.
