What Are the Common Dental Problems in Children?

Dental problems are common in children of every age group. When ignored, they result in poor oral health and overall health. Apart from flossing and brushing teeth, food and diet choices create a huge impact on the dental health of children. There can be problems with the developing teeth and orthodontic issues also. That is why it is essential to receive proactive and preventative dental services at the earliest.

Common Dental Issues That Kids Face

Below are the common dental problems in kids:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a diet-associated condition. It occurs when the bacteria in the mouth form a sticky covering known as plaque on the tooth surfaces. The bacteria feed on the sugar present in drinks and food. It releases an acid that causes damage to the surfaces of teeth. With time, the acid forms holes in the teeth. Decay can lead to infection and ache. It can also significantly affect the growth of children.

For example, in-depth decay in the baby teeth results in negative repercussions on the teeth and jaw development, speech, and nutrition. Besides healthy eating habits, routine dental check-ups at the clinic are essential in preventing tooth decay. The dental professional will tell you how often your little one requires check-ups. A children’s dentist usually advises it every 6 to 12 months.

Thumb Sucking

Sucking your thumb creates a negative effect on the child if the habit continues after the age of four. The most serious effects include the different types of malocclusions like overbite, open bite, etc. Moreover, thumb sucking throughout the year may also result in severe skin issues on the sucked thumb.

This habit also affects the development of the jaw, teeth, and palate. It can also alter how the little one speaks and eats food. For example, thumb sucking can lead to lisping, failure to pronounce T and D sounds, and other speech problems.

Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrusting is when the tongue comes in touch with the teeth anterior to the molar teeth while speaking or swallowing. When untreated, this habit can cause speech production errors, shifting teeth in abnormal positions, changes in jaw development, and the formation of strange swallowing patterns. Tongue thrusting can be treatable with an orthodontic therapy or device.

Tongue thrust is ok till the age of 4-6 months. But if it stays after your little one is no longer a baby, it is known as oral myofunctional disorder. In this case, it is essential to seek help at the earliest. Dentists at Dr. Patel Dentistry have plenty of experience in kids dentistry in Ajax, ON. They have the potential to detect these conditions in children quickly.

Early Tooth Loss

Baby teeth are known as primary or milk teeth. They are the first set of teeth that a kid has. There are around 20 primary teeth. They began to fall out around the age of 5 or 6. However, milk teeth get replaced by permanent teeth.

After some time, they can also fall out too early due to knocked-out teeth, decay, or other reasons. This can result in dental health risks and requires treatment as earliest possible by an expert orthodontist. The orthodontist suggests orthodontic treatment depending on the location of prematurely lost teeth or your kid’s age.

Typically, baby teeth start falling because their roots start resorbing or shrinking when the adult teeth start developing. Early baby teeth loss is also treatable using a space maintainer. The expert places the device into the mouth of the kid till he/she is 8 years old.

Lip Sucking

If you see your little one with chapped, irritated, or dry lips (usually the lower lip), he/she may have a habit of licking or sucking their lips. This can lead to discomfort and pain, mainly if a red ring develops around the mouth. Children with excess lip sucking are prone to developing cold sores or impetigo in case of lip tissue damage.

Sucking lips may also lead to occlusion, asymmetrical jaw, and other dental issues. This habit is temporary and will go on its own. But if lip sucking stays for longer, get help for your little one at a children’s dental clinic today.

Dental Emergencies

Falling while riding a bike, playing sports, fighting with siblings, etc. can result in dental-related emergencies. It can lead to cracks, chips, or breakage of teeth. If you find the permanent tooth of your little one falling out., immediately contact the dentist for a dental emergency appointment.