The growing years of life are all about new discoveries in the functionality of a child and challenges are a big part of it. The same applies when it comes to the dental health of a child indicates veteran dentist Dr. Kami Hoss. Every parents first priority should be to monitor their children’s dental health. Dental health in children is vital for their general health and growth, not simply for a dazzling smile.
The ten common dental problems in kids include:
- Tooth Decay- Cavities form during a process of decalcification. This is usually intensified by the continuous feeding of sugary snacks that kids are mostly attracted to. According to Dr. Kami Hoss, children’s teeth are more exposed to cavities due to the sensitive nature of their growing teeth. Proper use of fluoride toothpaste helps in strengthening the teeth against decay.
- Gum Disease- Gum diseases like gingivitis can happen in children. The advance signals could be gums that bleed easily or are regularly red and swollen. This happens due to the build up of plaque, which reddens gums. A powerful averting system includes teaching the habit of regular brushing and flossing.
- Teeth Grinding- Many children grind their teeth at night, a situation known as bruxism. The cause can sometimes be nervousness or misarranged teeth. This habit can completely damage the teeth and cause other oral health complications. Controlling bruxism involves detecting and blocking stress elements.
- Thumb Sucking and Dental Development- Thumb sucking is a common relaxing method for young children. However, continuous thumb-sucking can negatively affect dental and jaw growth. This can result in major issues like misarranged teeth. Preventing this involves positive support to help the child drop the habit.
- Over-retained Primary Teeth- Sometimes, baby teeth don’t drop down when the permanent teeth are ready to eject. This condition is known as over retained primary teeth, which can cause obstacles in the new teeth arrangement. Regular dental examination can help in observing the progress of the child’s dental development.
- Tooth Sensitivity- Children can undergo tooth sensitivity due to various reasons, including fading gums and cavities. It might be detected as an acute pain while eating hot or cold foods, as per Dr. Kami Hoss. Supporting the use of soft bristled toothbrushes and averting highly acidic foods is effective in curing sensitivity.
- Bad Breath- Bad breath can happen due to different conditions including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or the intake of certain foods. The bacteria on the tongue or between the teeth can also be a major cause of bad breath. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water and continuing proper brushing habit helps in keeping bad breath away.
- Dental Alignment Issues and Malocclusion- As children grow, they might face dental alignment issues such as overbites, underbites, or crowded teeth, together known as malocclusion. These complication can not only affect the quality of their smile but might also cause pain in chewing and speaking. To prevent malocclusion, early orthodontic observation and early detection can be helpful.
- Dental Injuries- Children are normally restless and lively, making them more exposed to dental injuries. Chipped or knocked out teeth can sometimes be extremely dangerous, impacting not only their dental health but also their attitude. Preventing such injuries involves an effective technique such as wearing personalized mouth guards during sports.
- Oral Habits Leading to Dental Problems- Certain oral habits like tongue smacking and mouth breathing, can generally lead to dental problems. These habits can affect the normal growth and development of the jaws and teeth. It can also result in cases such as misarrangement and changes in the bite. Tackling these habits early through therapies and dental examinations can prevent such complications, suggests Dr. Kami Hoss.
By supporting healthy eating habits, to creating a schedule of regular dental examination can help in avoiding normal dental problems that kids face . These collective steps create a ground for a lifetime of radiant and vibrant smiles.