Childhood is a time of adventure, exploration, and development. However, during these years of discovery, there may be the development of a dental problem - a climb on the monkey bars may result in a fractured tooth, or a missed spot of plaque may result in a cavity. Many of the dental disorders that affect children are the same as those that affect adults, but your child's teeth are still forming, and they are softer and younger than their permanent counterparts. Untreated dental diseases can result in poor and misaligned tooth development, which can lead to more significant issues as a child develops. Understanding frequent pediatric dental disorders and why they occur will assist you and your child in preventing them.
Let us begin with
an overview of children's oral health issues. Here are four of the most frequent dental problems that children and teenagers experience:
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Without supervision, most young children are unable to brush and floss their teeth. Cavities can become a major issue when accompanied by the fact that some children may consume a high-sugar diet. Tooth decay happens when sticky plaque accumulates on the surface of the teeth. The acid in plaque essentially eats away at the enamel, eventually destroying the tooth. Children should be supervised and assisted in brushing their teeth until they can grasp and manage a toothbrush on their own. If a cavity does form, the standard treatment is a tooth filling, which entails drilling away the decay and filling the hole with strong composite material.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth can be painful and distracting, affecting your child's concentration and routine. Tooth sensitivity in children can be caused by a variety of circumstances, so bringing your child in for yearly checkups is important for determining the underlying cause. Some of the various factors that can cause your child's teeth to be sensitive include:
- Permanent teeth that have recently erupted
- Acid erosion and enamel deterioration
- Grinding of the teeth (bruxism)
- A filling that is fractured or missing
- Orthodontic therapy
- Cavities
In the situation of sensitive teeth, there are several treatments available to assist in relieving your child's pain and discomfort. If the sensitivity is caused by a tooth issue, such as a cavity, you should see your dentist right away to avoid the situation from worsening.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease in Children
You may have assumed that gum disease is a dental issue that primarily affects adults. Gingivitis and gum disease can affect children and are very common in pediatric dental patients. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, swollen gums, and slight bleeding when your child brushes or flosses. Children who do not practice basic oral hygiene are more likely to get gum disease. Gingivitis and gum disease may have been prevented in the majority of cases if people took more care to brush and floss their teeth daily. In certain situations, your child's teeth may be so crooked and crowded that they can't clean them properly, resulting in gingivitis or gum disease.
Orthodontic Problems
Without
orthodontic treatment, children rarely have perfectly straight teeth. Fortunately, there are
numerous orthodontic procedures available at Joyful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to help your child or teen smile confidently. Orthodontic issues are frequently the consequence of heredity, with the size and form of the jaw influencing how your child's teeth grow and come together. Overbite, underbite, open bite, and spacing abnormalities are some of the most frequent misalignment concerns observed in children. Orthodontic problems can cause more than just a crooked smile. Overcrowding and misalignment of your child's teeth can result in jaw problems, damaged teeth, and poor oral hygiene.
We hope you've found this blog to be informative.
Contact Joyful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry if you are looking for the best dental services for children in Tinley Park, IL. Schedule your appointment today.
