Did you know that around 42% of kids from ages 2 to 11 have had their primary teeth affected by tooth decay? That’s almost half the population of kids who are experiencing dental problems before even reaching adolescence!

Unfortunately, forms of tooth decay are not the only dental problems that kids may face. Other problems such as gingivitis, thumb sucking, and crooked teeth are common as well.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common tooth issues in kids and how going to pediatric dental care can help fix them.

1. Tooth Sensitivity

We all know that feeling all too well. You eat or drink something that doesn’t sit right with your teeth, and the whole world is turned upside down with pain and tingling.

Kids might feel shame or nervousness opening up about it. Otherwise, they might even think of it as normal. Staying quiet about their dental problems will only make it worse for them in the future.

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by so many factors. One of which can be cavities, though other times it can be a completely normal side effect of growing teeth. Talk with your pediatric dentist to determine steps to help alleviate sensitivity.

2. Tooth Decay

Cavities are some of the most common forms of tooth decay. When bacteria are trapped in the mouth (between gums/teeth), they slowly eat away at the enamel. Cavities are little holes or cracks of tooth decay in the teeth.

If not treated, it can lead to permanent damage. A dentist can offer solutions to cavities, such as fillers, to fix the issue. They’ll also recommend ways to prevent further bacteria from growing!

3. Crooked Teeth

Kids lose teeth at a phenomenal rate as their adult teeth begin to grow. Sometimes, though, teeth can grow crooked and look like a jumbled mess.

Crooked teeth really aren’t too much of an issue. But if they are causing a problem or if your kid wants a straighter smile, there are methods to help! An example of such are braces.

Braces are painful and hard to maintain. That’s where Invisalign for kids comes in to help! Invisalign works similarly to braces, just without the metal wires and repetitive tightening.

4. Childhood Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a precursor to permanent gum diseases such as periodontitis. You can tell a kid has gingivitis based on if they have swollen red gums that bleed when they brush or floss.

It is crucial that you stop the advancement of gingivitis so that it doesn’t permanently destroy your child’s gums. Pediatric dental care is the best preventative form.

A dentist will give specialized oral products to help fight gum disease as well as educate you and your kid on proper cleaning techniques.

5. Grinding

It’s normal for toddlers and babies to grind their teeth. Growing teeth is a painful process, so kids grind their teeth when bothered.

If it persists into childhood or adolescence, it’s a sign of a bigger problem. A dentist can do x-rays to help identify the underlying cause. It also might be out of anxiety, so please be gentle when you treat your children’s teeth grinding habit.

The Importance of Pediatric Dental Care

You’d be surprised how quickly and easily all of these (and other) dental issues in kids can be fixed by regular trips to the dentist. If you take your child once per year for cleaning and an exam, you’re already on the right track.

It’s also up to you as a parent to teach your kids about the importance of good dental hygiene. Remember: the habits you teach them as kids will move with them as adults, so choose what you say wisely!

Need More Info?

We hope this short guide helped you identify common childhood teeth issues and how pediatric dental care can help fix them. You have plenty of options as the guardian, so don’t be scared to take your kids to the dentist!

For more information related to this, please visit the health and fitness section of our blog!