Preventing Common Pediatric Dental Problems

Like what other people say, prevention is always better than cure. It’s the best advice that any professional can give to their patient. Once you become a parent, your child’s safety becomes your utmost priority, and you will do everything to ensure they won’t have to experience anything bad at a young age, including dental care. Teaching your child and preventing common pediatric dental problems is the best way to make them aware of their dental health. Don’t worry; we will guide you through what you need to do and what you can teach your kid to help prevent dental problems.

Why shold you be concerned about pediatric dental health problems?

Tooth decay, sticking their tongue out, licking their lips, and sucking their thumb can all harm your child’s oral health. As parents, we are responsible for ensuring our children won’t experience dental health problems. Dental health problems can cause too much discomfort and pain for your kid, which is sometimes unbearable for them. In addition, a few dental problems like gum diseases can cause infections that can affect their cardiovascular health. When the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to other serious health concerns. 

Common Dental Problems

Tooth Decay and Cavities

Enamel is the outer surface of a tooth’s protective coating. When the protective enamel coating on the teeth deteriorates, tooth decay occurs. Cavities are caused by dental decay (caries). When carbohydrates (sugars and starches) from meals are allowed to linger on the teeth for a lengthy period, it causes caries. On the other hand, plaque is a sticky biofilm that develops on your teeth due to bacteria, food debris, stomach acid, and saliva. Thus, bacterial acids slowly destroy tooth enamel, resulting in cavities.

Gingivitis

It is a type of gum disease that is regarded to be in its early to moderate stages. It’s a condition that affects many people, even toddlers. Gingivitis is a result of plaque and tartar buildup. Gingivitis, unlike more serious forms of gum disease, does not harm gum and bone structure.

Pacifier Teeth

Most parents use a pacifier to soothe their children; usually, this is not a problem. But, too much use of pacifiers can lead to a condition called pacifier teeth. Dentists recommend that children stop using pacifiers when they age two. In addition, it is advisable to control the usage and to not force your child to use it. Pacifiers can damage or affect the development of your child’s front teeth. 

Bad Breath

Bad breath results from cavities and what your children eat. This is common with children but should still be addressed by parents. Once a child develops bad breath and it stays for more days, consulting a pediatric dentist like Junior Smiles of Stafford, a pediatric dentist in Falls Church, VA, is the first thing you should do. They can help manage bad breaths and possibly have it gone for good. Usually, bad breaths are a sign of something more severe and should be checked immediately. So, if you are looking for the best pediatric dentist in the area, you don’t want to miss them!

How do you prevent dental problems?

Primary or “baby teeth,” are the first set of permanent teeth a child gets. Normal tooth eruption starts at the age of six months when the primary (baby) teeth come in. The permanent teeth come in after the primary (baby) teeth. If you care for your teeth and gums and want to set up healthy habits, here are five things you should do.

• You should encourage your child to eat less sugary foods to keep their teeth from getting cavities.
• Parents should ensure their kids get plenty of fluorides, either through the water they drink or a treatment at the dentist’s office, to prevent cavities and strengthen their tooth enamel.
• Dental sealants give people another way to protect their teeth from getting cavities. They are made of plastic, and the dentist’s office glues them to the teeth with dental glue.
• Teach your kids to brush their teeth twice daily and use dental floss daily. Find ways to make brushing and flossing more fun for your child so that they will stick to a good oral hygiene routine.
• Your child’s diet is very important for the growth and health of their teeth. Giving your child foods high in calcium can help them get strong teeth. Yogurt, broccoli, and milk are all great choices for calcium-rich foods. One of the most important things you can do for your child’s long-term health is to teach them how to eat well.

Conclusion

Dental health problems can be prevented or avoided if you teach them how to care for their teeth. It’s part of the parenting process to guide your children from start to finish and to ensure that they are getting good nutrition that can aid in preventing dental problems. Another good piece of advice is to make sure that you visit a dentist as frequently as possible, as they are the professionals who can give proper dental care to kids.