Your Smile Turkey
Pediatric Dentistry

What are the most common dental problems in kids?

Many of a kid’s dental problems are the same ones that affect adults, but your child’s teeth are still developing, and they’re softer and younger than their permanent successors. Untreated dental conditions can cause poor and misaligned tooth development, leading to more serious problems as a child grows up.

Here are the 10 most common dental problems for kids, along with how to prevent them from developing.

1. 1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Tooth decay is a very common dental problem across the country and the entire world among children and even adults. When bacteria build up on teeth, it becomes plaque, which eats away at the enamel, leading to cavities. Luckily, tooth decay is preventable with regular brushing and flossing. not to mention a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and carbohydrates that contribute to cavities.

1. 1. Tooth Sensitivity

If your child experiences discomfort from hot or cold foods or air, he or she may have sensitive teeth. Older people aren’t the only ones prone to tooth sensitivity; children can also get it because of their thinner enamel, which is susceptible to wearing down faster from plaque. To fix this, your paediatric dentist can apply sealants to the affected areas. These will fill in any cracks while strengthening the enamel. It’s important to always use a soft toothbrush so as not to scrape off the enamel.

1. 1. Dental Emergencies

For kids that play baseball, soccer, basketball, and other sports, it is not uncommon to run into dental issues due to injury. Chipped, broken, loosened, and knocked-out teeth can occur in accidents. Generally, loosened and knocked-out teeth are not a large concern if they are baby teeth (or primary teeth), as adult teeth will come in. But chipped or otherwise damaged teeth require emergency dental work.

1. 1. Gum Disease

Gum diseases are also called periodontal diseases. Gingivitis is a type of gum disease where plaque and tartar gather at the base of the tooth and distress the gums. Initially, the child’s gums may look red and inflamed and bleed while brushing and flossing.

1. 1. Orthodontic Problems

Children rarely have perfectly straight teeth without any intervention. Luckily, there are many orthodontic treatments available to help your child or teen smile with confidence. Orthodontic problems are often a result of genetics, with the size and shape of the jaw playing a role in how your child’s teeth grow and come together.

1. 1. Excessive Thumb Sucking

When babies, many children develop the habit of sucking their thumbs or fingers.It is acceptable to have this habit for a baby or infant because it provides a sense of comfort and security.However, if this practise continues in childhood, it has a wide range of consequences for the development of permanent teeth.

Thumb sucking can disrupt normal oral development, affecting tooth alignment and the roof of the mouth.Strong and intense thumb sucking can cause damage to temporary and permanent tooth structures. If children persist in thumb-sucking well into their fifth year, your dentist may suggest ways to break the habit and provide support.

1. 1. Grinding

Children are prone to teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.This could occur because of tooth misalignment, a pain response, or stress. Bruxism usually doesn’t require treatment, but if it continues, both primary and secondary teeth could wear away. Common symptoms are jaw pain, headaches, and sensitivity. Your paediatric dentist can prescribe a nightguard to buffer the grinding each night.

1. 1. Bad Breath

We all have bad breath, or halitosis, from time to time. However, if your child’s bad breath continues throughout the day, there is most likely a deeper issue. Bad breath comes from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that feeds on leftover food and plaque and emits smelly hydrogen sulfide. Halitosis has a variety of causes, including dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, digestive issues, and even certain medications. The best way to prevent bad breath is to practise good dental hygiene and schedule regular teeth cleanings with your child’s dentist.

1. 1. Baby tooth Loss

Around the age of six, the first front middle tooth generally loosens and falls out. It is a natural process without serious pain that happens over the course of about 5 to 7 years. By the time the child is about 13 years old, But sometimes the tooth does not fall out. When a tooth falls out prematurely or does not fall out at all, the dentist should be consulted.Overretained teeth also affect permanent teeth. It is best to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent permanent teeth from crowding and becoming misaligned.

1. 1. Baby Teeth Not Loosening
      Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out, also called over-retained primary teeth. Usually, this happens because there is no permanent tooth to replace the baby tooth. Other possible causes include jaw misalignment, obstructions, damage, infection, and oral pathology. If left untreated, over-retained teeth could cause dental problems like decay. Luckily, your child’s dentist can remove the baby tooth so the adult tooth can develop unhindered. Any misalignment can be treated with orthodontics.

When Should a Child Begin Brushing His Teeth?

Start brushing as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts in the mouth. The first tooth erupts at an average age of 6-7 months. Most children should be able to brush their own teeth between the ages of 6 and 9. This is when children have the dexterity to handle the task and the maturity to understand instructions. You may still need to guide your child through the process for several months, but you can start transitioning to solo brushing around this time.