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One of the primary responsibilities of a parent is to keep their child’s teeth healthy and free from problems. However, because all parts of a child’s body are continuously developing, you can expect many trials along the way.
To ensure that your child’s dental health is taken care of, start the process by educating them and yourself. Here are some common pediatric dental problems you should be aware of, so you can know how to avoid them.
1. Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a very common oral habit in children. Many of them start this habit when they are still infants, so it is best to prepare yourself and your child if it continues to manifest after age three.
To avoid this issue, talk to your child about stopping the habit and then find a way to distract them from doing it. This is a perfectly natural behaviour that they can easily grow out of, so don’t worry too much about it.
2. Bad Breath
Bad breath is another common problem that many children can have. It is caused by several different things, including not brushing correctly or brushing too hard, poor nutrition, or mouth-breathing.
If your child has bad breath, you can tell them to brush more often and show them how to brush their teeth correctly. However, if you attempt this solution and the problem persists, you should take them to see a dentist as an underlying issue may be causing the unpleasant smell.
3. Sensitive Teeth
Teeth sensitivity is another common dental issue in children. Some teeth are sensitive and feel tingly when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures, sweet and sour food, or even hard brushing.
Sensitive teeth are usually caused by tooth decay, so make sure to get your child’s teeth cleaned every six months by a dentist or dental hygienist. You should also encourage your child to brush and floss every day to help reduce the sensitivity of their teeth.
4. Tooth Decay
Another common dental problem in children is tooth decay. This can result from several factors, including poor nutrition, not brushing or flossing properly, poor oral hygiene, or not drinking enough water.
If your child gets a cavity, it is vital to get them in to see a dental professional as soon as possible. This is because cavities can worsen very quickly, making them even more challenging to treat. Plus, cavities can cause discomfort and pain for your child, and no parent wants that.
5. Retaining Baby Teeth
Retaining baby teeth for too long is another common pediatric dental problem. Some teeth will not entirely fall out when they are supposed to. The result is an abnormal alignment of teeth, affecting the child’s bite.
If you leave retained teeth untreated, your child may face more serious problems in the future. So, you can set an appointment for the dentist to remove the baby tooth and give way for the adult tooth to develop without any hindrance.
Final Thoughts
These are five of the most common paediatric dental problems you should be aware of, but many other issues can affect your child’s teeth, too. Luckily, there are solutions for all of these problems, so it’s time to work with professionals right away.
If you’re on the hunt for a kid’s dentist, book an appointment with us at Clover Dental. We offer Brunswick family dental services, including dental check-up’s, dental cleaning, x-rays, root canal treatments, fillings, tooth extractions, and so much more. Call us today for more information.
