Proper dental care is very important, even starting at a very young age. Hundreds of children all over the world experience dental problems and bear pain and discomfort. Knowing what dental problems are and how to deal with them in the best way can keep your smile bright and healthy. Here are the top 7 common dental problems in children and how to handle them.
1. Cavities
What are Cavities?
Cavities are holes in your teeth produced by bacteria. These bacteria love sugar, and as that feeds the sugar, they emit acid that hurts your teeth.
How to Cope With Cavities:
- Brush and Floss: Remember to do the brushing process at least twice a day and floss once a day. This will help you get rid of unwanted food particles and plaque.
- Eat Less Sugar: Take less of the sugary snacks and drinks. Sugar fuels cavity-producing bacteria.
- See Your Dentist in West Edmonton: Check-ups can help find cavities early.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
After eating or drinking something that is hot, cold, sweet, or sour, you feel a pain-like sensation in your teeth, which is called tooth sensitivity. Sometimes this takes place if the enamel or the hard outer layer of your teeth is worn down.
How Can I Deal With Tooth Sensitivity?
- Use a Soft Toothbrush: Overly aggressive brushing is proven to scratch and wear away your enamel. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush easily.
- Avoid Acidic Foods: Certain foods, such as citric foods, drinks, or soda, will erode and wear down enamel. Limit those within your diet as much as possible.
- Use Sensitivity Toothpaste: There are specialized types of toothpaste for teeth that are sensitive. These kinds of toothpaste can partially reduce the pain level.
3. Gum Disease
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a condition whereby an individual has red, swollen, bleeding gums. This happens as a result of plaque accumulating on the teeth.
Managing Gingivitis:
- Toothbrushing and flossing every day will keep your gums healthy. Don’t skip brushing along the gum line, because that’s the favorite spot for plaque buildup.
- Rinse with a mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash may help you kill the bacteria causing gum diseases.
- See Your Children’s Dentist Near You: Regular dental cleanings would help eliminate plaque and tartar, which brushing and flossing can’t.
4. Bad Breath
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is due to the presence of an unpleasant smell coming from your mouth. Factors that can produce this include bad oral hygiene, some food, and even a dry mouth.
How to Manage Bad Breath:
- Brush, floss, stay hydrated, and chew some sugar-free gum to freshen your breath and stimulate saliva flow.
5. Tooth Grinding
What is Tooth Grinding?
Tooth grinding, or bruxism, occurs when you clench and grind your teeth, often while you sleep. This can subject the same teeth to excessive wear and may lead to painful areas of the jaw.
Management Of Tooth Grinding
- Wearing a custom mouthguard or an occlusal appliance and reducing your life stress can help you with teeth grinding and clenching.
6. Thumb Sucking
What is Thumb Sucking?
Thumb sucking is a child’s sucking of his or her thumb for comfort, which is very common. However, if babies continue doing it for 4 or 5 years, it can create problems.
How to Deal With Thumb Sucking:
- Positive Encouragement: Whenever possible, motivate your child to stop sucking on their thumb. You can use some kind of reward system that will encourage them.
- Distractions: Substitute thumb sucking for other comfort objects, like a teddy bear or blanket.
- Speak to Your Children’s Dentist in West Edmonton: They can provide some recommendations and will help refer you to the right mouth appliance to help break the habit.
7. Dental Injuries
What’s a Dental Injury?
A dental injury is caused by falling, getting hit, or meeting with an accident, and it damages your teeth or mouth in such a way that the teeth are knocked out, chipped, or broken.
How to Deal With Dental Injuries :
- Mouth guards: If you play sports or do some other activity that puts you at risk for any blow in the mouth area, it is suggested that you wear a mouthguard so your teeth can be protected from such injuries.
- If you are careful, you won’t chew hard things like ice or pencils, which can crack your teeth.
- Seek Immediate Assistance: In case one of the teeth gets knocked down, try to push it back to its place or store it in milk and visit a dentist near you as soon as possible.
Consider Consulting Aldergrove Dental Clinic For More Information
Good teeth are part of overall health maintenance. Follow these simple routines daily: brush and floss, eat right, and have regular dental check-ups. Remember, your dentist is your friend and will help you maintain a bright and healthy smile for a lifetime. So, take care of your teeth; they’ll take care of you.
If you are looking for a dental clinic near you to seek guidance with a dental problem your child is facing, you should consider Aldergrove Dental Clinic. The clinic has a team of expert Children’s dentists who can resolve your child’s dental condition while treating them with warmth and extreme care.
