Five Common Dental Concerns in Children

Are you under the assumption that cavities are the only dental issue that children face. The truth is, children and adults share many of the same oral health risks. Here are five common dental concerns that you should be aware of as your child’s smile transforms from baby teeth to adult teeth:

#1 Tooth Decay – There’s no question that cavities are a child’s primary threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions children in the United States experience. However, dental caries are completely preventable with proper nutrition, routine dental visits and diligent oral hygiene at home.

#2 Sensitive Teeth – If your child complains of pain when they consume hot and cold foods and drinks, a trip to the dentist is in order. Just like adults, this can be due to enamel erosion, decay, gum recession or tiny hairline cracks in a tooth.

#3 Bad Breath – Many parents are taken back when they discover their sweet little one has dragon breath. However, excessive oral bacteria causes bad breath, and bacteria isn’t restricted to an age group. Kids are susceptible to the same bad breath culprits as adults. Let your dentist help you determine if the foul breath odor is a result of poor brushing habits, dry mouth, chronic sinusitis or even an undiagnosed medical condition.

#4 Gum Disease – Yes, kids can get gum disease too! Teens are especially at risk for gum disease, or gingivitis, when they wear braces. If you notice that your child’s gums are red, puffy or frequently bleeding, let your dentist know! Flossing is essential to prevent gum disease in pediatric patients.

#5 Over-Retained Baby Teeth – When a primary tooth is refusing to fall out despite a permanent tooth erupting in the same space, it is called an “over-retained tooth.” This requires action, as the primary tooth will need to be removed or extracted by a dentist to prevent impaction or other complications.

There are plenty of other dental issues that children face, ranging from wisdom teeth problems to canker sores. It is important for parents to expand their radar when following up on their child’s oral health. The most critical step you can take is to bring your child to a dentist every six months. This allows a dentist to catch dental issues before they cause serious damage.

It can be difficult to keep up with your own dental health, much less your kid’s. Let us help you in the task – call Salt Run Family Dentistry to schedule your pediatric dental appointment today.