According to the CDC, more than half of children between the ages of six and eight have a cavity in one or more of their primary teeth. Oral care is crucial, especially for young children. Long-term damage could arise from a lack of proper care. As a parent, it’s important for you to know the most common dental problems in children so you can work to prevent them. We know there is a lot of information, so we are here to make it a little more straightforward. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about Austin pediatric dentistry.
In the end, you’ll feel confident taking care of and addressing your children’s dental hygiene. Continue reading for more!
Tooth Decay
One of the most common dental problems that children experience is tooth decay, also known as cavities. The good news is these are preventable with the proper care.
A cavity is formed when the hard tissue of a tooth is damaged and a hole or a pit forms. This is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth and from a diet that is high in sugars and starches. They can also form from poor oral hygiene.
If the issue isn’t addressed immediately, it can cause a lot of pain and tooth sensitivity.
If your child does have a cavity, a professional at an Austin pediatric dentistry office will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a composite resin. If the issue has progressed, a crown may be necessary.
Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety affects a lot of people, adults and children alike. It’s very common for a child to be anxious before, during, and after a dentist appointment. The fear of the unknown can be very overwhelming for them.
That’s why going to a pediatric dentist is the best option. They will have experience working with children and be able to create a safe and comfortable environment for them.
They often use distraction tactics and positive reinforcements as a way to alleviate anxiety and stress. It’s important that you, as a parent and your dental professionals, don’t invalidate your child’s feelings.
Tooth Sensitivity
Everyone has a layer of enamel on their teeth. However, children have a much thinner layer.
It can be worn out very easily by poor hygiene, plaque, and bacteria buildup. Once the enamel is gone, there’s no way to bring it back. A pediatric dentist can apply sealants to help strengthen the tooth and prevent more cavities from forming.
If your child is experiencing sensitivity to cold and hot foods, it’s an indicator that enamel is wearing away, leaving the nerve endings exposed. This can be very painful for them.
Sensitivity can also mean there is a cavity forming.
It’s recommended that you invest in a soft toothbrush for your child. A hard-bristled one could further damage the teeth.
Bad Oral Habits
Bad oral habits can greatly affect your child’s teeth. This includes thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier.
While it’s common and normal for babies to suck their fingers, if this action continues into early childhood, it could cause their teeth and jaw to become unaligned.
If this issue isn’t addressed early, you’ll likely find yourself paying for orthodontic treatments and maybe surgery in the future.
The professionals in our Austin pediatric dentistry office have the training to help you overcome this problem.
They will be able to advise on actions you can take and ensure your child’s teeth and oral health are in a good position.
Grinding
Another common issue that many children experience is grinding. This typically happens while they’re sleeping and can erode the tooth enamel. It can wear down the primary and permanent teeth.
Grinding can cause muscular pain in the jaw as well. It can also prevent your children from getting good sleep.
Grinding typically happens because the bottom and top teeth aren’t aligned. If your child is grinding their teeth, it may be a sign they are experiencing pain from an earache or discomfort from teething.
If this is the cause, they will typically stop on their own once the pain is gone. However, a mouth guard can help protect your child’s teeth at night if they continue to grind.
Dental Trauma
It’s not uncommon for children to experience dental injuries. A fall or an accident could damage their teeth fairly easily.
A chipped or fractured tooth can be repaired by a professional, so there’s no need to panic. A more serious situation would involve your child’s tooth getting knocked out completely. If this happens, it’s important to contact the professional immediately.
The longer you wait, the less likely it will be able to be fixed. If your child falls on the playground and damages one of their teeth, you’ll want to have the situation addressed as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of long-term issues.
Austin Pediatric Dentistry
We know taking care of your child isn’t always an easy task, and that’s why we are here to help. No matter what dental problems your children may be experiencing, we’ve got you covered.
Dental problems in children are not uncommon, but there are many steps you can take to prevent damage.
Our team of trained professionals is available here to answer any questions you have about Austin pediatric dentistry. Give us a call today!
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