Parents only want the best for their children, especially when it comes to their health. Unfortunately, parents commonly overlook their children’s oral health. Because baby teeth aren’t permanent, many adults don’t worry about their children’s teeth as much as they should. However, according to the best pediatric dentist in Kansas City, MO, poor pediatric dental health can lead to serious problems if not taken care of. Continue reading to learn about five of the most common dental problems children experience.
Tooth Decay
One of the most common dental problems a child will experience is tooth decay. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Tooth decay is caused by plaque accumulating on a tooth, which then eats away at the enamel due to the acid that plaque produces.
Excessive Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a common self-soothing technique many young children partake in, but then eventually grow out of. However, some children have a more difficult time growing out of this habit, which can have adverse effects on teeth development.
As any children’s dentist will tell you, excessive thumb sucking can cause problems with teeth and jaw alignment, the roof of the mouth, and even speech development. If your child has a habit of sucking their thumb, there is no need to worry unless they continue past the age of five.
Sensitive Teeth
Having sensitive teeth can be very frustrating, distracting, and affect our overall oral hygiene. Tooth sensitivity can typically be a sign of a more serious dental problem in children, including cavities, acid erosion, grinding of the teeth, enamel wear, or an erupted permanent tooth. This is why children need to visit a pediatric dentist specialist at least twice a year. A pediatric dentist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and treat the problem before it becomes worse.
Gum Disease
Unbeknownst to most adults, gum disease and pediatric gingivitis can occur in children too. As a matter of fact, it is actually a pretty common thing pediatric dental specialists have to treat. Gum disease in children is often marked by swollen gums, mouth pain, gum recession, and minor bleeding when brushing.
Early Tooth Loss
Tooth loss in children is a natural stage of development. The average age when a child starts losing their teeth is around six. However, it’s not rare for a child to lose a tooth earlier than six years old due to playing sports, falling, or just playing around. Premature tooth loss can cause the permanent tooth to come in crooked, sideways, or not fully developed. Early tooth loss should always be taken seriously and should be seen by your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Looking for the best children dentist office in Kansas City, MO? Look no further than Shoal Creek Smiles! For more information or to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentistry, give us a call at 816-781-5437.
