Every parent wants to ensure their child maintains a healthy smile. This remains a top concern for many patients at The Super Dentists.. As such, most parents will try to do everything they can to prevent their kids from encountering common dental problems.
Dental education is important, particularly for parents. Having the ability to identify the early signs of common dental problems in children empowers a parent to take the necessary steps to minimize them.
So what are some of the most common dental problems that your child may encounter?
Dental Problems in Kids & Common Dental Problems in Toddlers
Unfortunately, dental problems can happen to anyone including kids of all ages. Surprisingly, serious teeth and gum conditions can develop in kids as early as when they receive their first tooth.
The good news? Dental problems in kids can be avoided or minimized if detected early. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if your child sees a dentist before their 5th birthday, subsequent dental costs over a 5-year span can be cut in half! The Super Dentists recommends your child see a pediatric dentist no later than age 1.
Here are three pediatric dental issues that every parent needs to know about:
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Tooth decay
This is the most common of all dental problems in kids. According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, tooth decay ranks as the number one chronic childhood illness. And if left untreated, tooth decay may cause pediatric dental disease that could result in eating and speaking problems.
Tooth decay is preventable, and parents who take their children to the dentist regularly can identify and resolve this issue quickly and effectively. In fact, dentists are happy to help your child avoid tooth decay altogether.
A dentist will clean your child’s teeth and teach them about proper brushing and flossing techniques during their visit. This is one of the easiest and least expensive steps you can take to proactively prevent tooth decay.
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Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking that continues beyond the age of 4 or 5 can be problematic as a child’s permanent teeth begin to develop.
Thumb sucking may lead to a child’s teeth being pushed out of alignment, creating an overbite. Also, a child’s upper and lower jaws may become misaligned due to thumb sucking, which could result in speech problems.
For infants, thumb sucking is normal and can be a tough habit to break. But parents who offer positive reinforcement may be better equipped to help their children resist the temptation to suck their thumbs.
“Gradually increase the time needed without sucking to achieve the reward. The younger the child, the more frequent the rewards will need to be given,” WebMD recommends. “For children who want to stop, cover the finger or thumb with a Band-Aid as a reminder. Take the thumb or finger out of the mouth after your child falls asleep.”
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Tongue thrusting
Tongue thrusting is common during infancy but may be a sign of an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) that could impact a child’s ability to speak clearly. OMDs are one of the most common dental problems in toddlers – and also one of the most misunderstood!
When a tongue thrust occurs, a child’s tongue may move forward during rest or protrude between his or her upper and lower teeth when speaking or swallowing, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) notes. And if a tongue thrust goes unaddressed, a child “may look, speak and swallow differently than other children of the same age.”
Dentists can diagnose tongue thrusting and other OMDs at an early age and work with parents to develop a treatment plan.
Not Sure About Common Dental Problems in Kids? Visit The Super Dentists Today
When it comes to pediatric dentistry in San Diego County, The Super Dentists are an out-of-this-world experience. We help identify and treat all of the most common dental problems in toddlers and older children.
Our team possesses the expertise and experience to provide your child with best-in-class dental treatments. Furthermore, our first-rate staff of dental professionals perform an array of dental services and treatments, ensuring your child is fully supported at all times.
To learn more about our pediatric dentistry services, please contact us today at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or text 1 (844) 765-1234. You can also get help with common dental problems in kids by using our convenient online scheduling portal. Come visit The Super Dentists today!
