Children’s Dental Problems

Thanks to the recent advancements in children’s orthodontics and dental care, it has made parents more aware about the need to pay closer attention to our children’s teeth. 

Occasional dental problems in young children and teens are common and are not too different from an adult’s dental problems, however, treatment can vary. 

Because children have softer, more delicate teeth, the associated treatments need to be different as well. If you continue to ignore your child’s dental problems, they will only get worse over time and eventually lead to a series of serious health problems. When you understand why dental problems occur and how to prevent them, your child can easily avoid them.

In this blog article, we look at the most common dental problems in children in greater depth.

Tooth Decay In Children

Tooth decay is a common dental problem for children and adults. In fact, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has recorded that more than one-third (34%) of children have experienced tooth decay in their baby teeth as early as 5 to 6 whereas, more than a quarter of children ages 5 to 10 (27%) have untreated decay in the primary teeth. 

The mouth is home to many different types of bacteria. These bacteria can form a sticky film on the teeth called plaque which accumulates in the mouth over time. This sort of bacteria thrives on starchy foods. Combined with sugar and the bacteria, it produces acid as a by-product of sugar breakdown. This acid eventually eats away at the tooth enamel, which is the protective cover of the tooth. The sticky film created by frequent acid exposure breaks down tooth enamel, causing cavities. However, tooth decay and the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth are easily preventable through regular teeth brushing and flossing.

Gum Disease In Children

Gum disease is another common dental disease among children and is the result of improper oral healthcare. If your child or teen fails to follow a strict dental care regimen, then they are sure to face problems with their gums.

Gum disease can be aggressive and for this reason, it is imperative to mitigate the possibility of it occurring when there is still time. Gum disease causes severe pain and discomfort around the gum area and lead to serious infection. If left untreated can lead to gum reduction. If you want to spare your children from the pain associated with gum disease, you need to schedule regular appointments for your children with their dentist and ensure they follow good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing are key to preventing gum disease from occurring.

Not all children are able to floss their teeth regularly. This can be due to overcrowding and crooked teeth as they can be hard to brush and floss. If this is the case, the practice can lead to serious gum diseases. You may need to consider the possibility of investing in children’s metal or clear aligners to correct your child or teen’s crooked teeth to encourage better hygiene habits and prevent long-term dental problems.

Gingivitis In Children

Gingivitis refers to inflamed gums and is an identifying sign of the early stages of gum disease. It is a common dental problem among children and adults and is caused by tartar and plaque gathering on the base of distressed gums. Your child may experience various issues, ranging from gum swelling to extreme pain when suffering from gingivitis. Bleeding might occur while brushing and flossing. To prevent Gingivitis from turning into something more serious, educate your child about the dental disease and encourage proper oral hygiene methods. 

Sensitive Teeth In Children

Tooth sensitivity is another dental problem that can happen to anyone of all ages. When cold or hot foods and fluids can cause discomfort to the child, it’s a sign of sensitive teeth and may indicate a more serious dental issue such as tooth decay or cavities. 

Children with sensitive teeth may exhibit a more delicate layer of teeth enamel than adults, as it is worn away by bacteria more easily. When the enamel is worn away, microscopic fissures appear in the teeth, revealing the gums and nerve endings. These nerve endings are activated when you eat hot or cold meals leading to pain.

This problem is preventable with good dental hygiene habits. Alternatively, professionals can apply sealants to your children’s teeth to strengthen the enamel and fill cracks.

Teeth Grinding In Children

Clinically known as Bruxism, grinding teeth is a common condition in children, teens and adults. Like thumb sucking, grinding could be a bad habit or a result of anxiety or stress. Grinding can lead to poor dental health management and causes teeth to become more fragile. Such teeth can break easily. More often than not, bruxism ceases as the child grows older. If it continues though, it may result in grinding down permanent teeth and wearing out enamel which causes sensitive teeth and pain. A night guard can assist with preventing the child from grinding their teeth while they sleep.

Does your child suffer from dental problems? 

Contact our specialist orthodontist at Orthoworx, Zetland and Chatswood’s number one Invisalign and modern orthodontics provider for children, teens and adults.