Parents living in Canada must be really conscious of the dental health of their children and want to do their best to prevent any complications. For this, it is really important that you, as a parent, know about what dental problems are common in children and visit a Burlington, Ontario family dentist if you see any early symptoms of such problems in your children because dental health is important for their overall well-being too. Now, let us take a look at some of the most common dental problems in children.
- Tooth decay (cavities)
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent oral problems in children, also known as cavities. It occurs when the bacteria present inside your mouth generate certain acids that damage the enamel. There are some factors that can be the reason, such as bad dental hygiene, having sugary foods and drinks quite frequently, and insufficient exposure to fluoride. If decay is left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, and, eventually, the loss of a tooth.
- Malocclusion (misalignment of teeth)
Malocclusion means misalignment of teeth and jaws that can affect the structure of the face as well as the bite of your child. Some prevalent kinds of malocclusion are overbite, crossbite, underbite, and overcrowding. There are some things that can partly contribute to malocclusion, such as genetics, use of a pacifier, sucking thumb, and early loss of baby teeth. If the case becomes severe, orthodontic treatment will be needed to align it.
- Dental trauma
Dental trauma includes cracked, chipped, and knocked-out teeth, and it is common among children, particularly those who are involved in sports and susceptible to accidents. In such cases, prompt dental care is needed to prevent any further damage and save the impacted teeth.
- Gum disease (Gingivitis)
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque as well as bacteria along the gum line of the teeth, and gingivitis refers to the early stage of it. Its apparent symptoms are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. There can be certain reasons behind it, such as poor oral hygiene, improper and insufficient brushing and flossing, and certain medical conditions, which can maximize the risk of developing gingivitis in children.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Another common dental problem is tooth sensitivity, which can occur because of several factors, such as erosion of the enamel, tooth decay, and the root of the tooth being exposed. Your child’s teeth can become pretty sensitive to hot, cold, sugary, and acidic foods and drinks, which can cause sharp pain and discomfort.
A dentist can help your child combat!
If you see any such symptoms of oral problems in your children, you need to rush to a dentist as soon as you can to prevent the issue from getting worse.
