5 Common Children’s Dental Problems

Oral Health care should begin in childhood and set up your children for a lifetime of healthy smiles. From the time their first teeth appear, it’s essential to help your child to form proper Oral Health habits. Oral Health neglect, an improper diet or Dental accidents can lead to Dental problems in children. In this article, we will cover 5 common children’s Dental problems and how to fix them.

1 – Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common children’s Dental problem. Left untreated, Tooth decay can become a severe Dental problem, leading to infection, eating troubles and speech issues. Tooth decay can be caused by consuming sugary foods such as lollies, soft drinks, fruit juices and carbohydrate-rich foods. An inadequate oral hygiene routine can also contribute to children’s tooth decay.

Luckily, tooth decay is preventable by maintaining a tooth-friendly diet and a healthy Dental care routine. Children need to visit for a Check-Up once every six months to detect early tooth decay and treat it before it becomes a serious problem.

2 – Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity is another common children’s Dental problem, which can cause some pain or discomfort when eating hot or cold foods or brushing their teeth. Tooth sensitivity in children can be caused by the consumption of sugary foods, worn tooth enamel or genetics. If your child suffers from tooth sensitivity, it’s important to visit an Oral Health Professional to identify the cause and access the right treatment. Treatment may involve sensitive teeth toothpaste, a tooth-friendly diet, a proper Oral Health regime or nightguards.

3 – Dental Anxiety

Some children may experience Dental Anxiety, which is when they have stress or fear associated with visiting the Dentist. This common children’s Dental problem can be easily managed through a few tips. It’s important to resolve this issue early on and prevent Dental Anxiety from getting worse. If your child is too scared to visit the Dentist, they may not receive the Dental Care they need, resulting in painful problems that could have been prevented. 

Tips to manage childre’s Dental Anxiety include:

• Visiting a child-friendly Oral Health Therapist
• Discussing their Dental Anxiety with their Dentist
• Playing with toys or watching TV during the appointment
• Happy gas for invasive treatments
• Organise a fun activity after their appointment to develop a positive association

4 – Dental Trauma

Dental Trauma includes any physical injury impacting your child’s teeth, gums, tongue, lips and the bone surrounding the tooth sockets. Dental Trauma in children often caused by accidents occurring while playing sports, falling, vehicle crashes or physical accidents. This can lead to fractured or lost teeth and damage to the mouth. If your child has experienced Dental Trauma, it’s important to visit an Emergency Dentist soon as possible to receive treatment.

Children’s Dental Trauma can involve:

• Chipped or missing teeth
• Broken or fractured teeth 
• The tooth jammed into the socket 
• A fractured jaw 
• Lacerations of the gum or lips

5 – Gum Disease

Gum Disease, also known as Gingivitis, is a condition where the gum is inflamed, bleeding or irritated. This can be caused by a build-up of plaque combined with a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. If left untreated, Gum Disease in children can lead to gum pain, tooth decay and gum recession. Gum Disease in children can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting the Dentist for regular Check-Up and Clean appointments.

What Age Should Children Go to the Dentist?

What age should children go to the Dentist? Early visits at a young age (0-2 years) to the Dentist help to familiarise your child with visiting a Dental practice. Your Oral Health Professional will be able to monitor and detect any early problems and intervene at an early stage. As a parent, you will be guided in caring for your child’s Oral Health and given valuable oral home care and dietary advice.

How Can Children’s Poor Dental Care Affect Their Health?

Children’s Dental problems can lead to Oral Health and general health issues. Severe children’s Dental problems can lead impact their nutrition, speech, jaw and teeth development and cause pain. To prevent severe children’s Dental problems from occurring, it’s essential to perform a proper Oral Hygiene routine and visit the Dentist twice a year.

Benefits of Children’s Dental Appointments

It’s important to bring your child to visit the Dentist twice a year for a Check-Up and Clean appointment. During your Child’s first Dental visit, they will be assessed by an Oral Health Therapist and their teeth will be thoroughly cleaned gently. 

An Oral Health Therapist will assess your child’s:

• Teeth Health
• Gum Health
• Dental Development
• Oral Hygiene and Diet

By assessing these areas, an Oral Health Professional will be able to detect any potential Dental issues and perform treatment.

Book Your Child for a Dental Check-Up and Clean

If your child hasn’t visited the Dentist in the past six months, it’s time for their Check-Up and Clean! Visit the friendly and gentle Brisbane Smiles team for Children’s Dentistry. Book online today.