Childhood is a wonderful experience of exploration that is filled with new adventures and memories that last a lifetime. No matter how hard you try to shelter your little ones from the harsh realities of life, they are bound to experience it at some point during their childhood. Remember a time when you were little, biting on a jawbreaker only to find a missing tooth later on? Well, dental problems are part and parcel of life. As an adult or a child, you are bound to face dental issues in children.
Developing good oral hygiene must be encouraged from the start to avoid dental problems in the future. Parents are always looking out for the well-being of their children and should start by encouraging them to take care of their teeth by regularly brushing and restricting the consumption of candy before bed. While teeth problems in kids can’t be avoided altogether, they can be limited or controlled. Before delving into some of the most common dental issues experienced by children, let’s have a look at the tooth decay stages.
5 Deadly Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common children’s teeth problems.
- The first identifiable sign of tooth decay is the presence of white spots over the enamel. This is most commonly caused by acids and sugar that attack the tooth below the enamel leading to demineralization of the tooth.
- The next of the tooth decay stages is the decay of the enamel that moves from the base upwards to the top.
- It is only in the third stage that children face symptoms of tooth decay like pain and irritation in the gums. In this stage, the dentin begins to decay.
- Once dentin decay takes place, decay of the pulp isn’t far behind. It is here where the child experiences severe pain and finds it difficult to chew his or her food.
- The final stage of tooth decay is known as abscess formation. It is during this stage that dental caries reach the periodontal area. This becomes a matter of grave concern and should be avoided by practising regular dental hygiene.
6 Most Common Dental Problems in Kids
Do you know about the common dental issues in children? Well, here are six frequently observed dental problems in kids.
- Cavities
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Gum Disease
- Orthodontic Problems
- Thumb Sucking
- Grinding
This is one of the most common of all teeth problems in kids. Children who have a sugar-heavy diet are most likely to develop cavities. The sticky plaque that accumulates on the surface of the teeth eats away at the enamel. A simple solution to avoid this is to monitor your child’s diet and supervise them while they are brushing their teeth. However, if a cavity does develop, it isn’t the end of the world as it can be easily fixed by tooth filling.
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that plagues both the young and old. However, in children, it tends to be more irritating. It causes discomfort and discourages a child from eating. Believe it or not, it is one of the factors that demoralises your little one from brushing his or her teeth. Some of the primary causes of tooth sensitivity include cavities, acid erosion, teeth grinding and newly formed permanent teeth.
Gum disease is one of the common teeth problems in kids. This can occur in children of all ages and does so in those with poor dental health. Gum disease is severe as it results in the deterioration of the gums. One of the first stages of gum disease is gingivitis. It is most often characterised by red, swollen gums and slight bleeding.
Unfortunately, some problems arise because of genetics and no fault of the parents or child. The size and shape of the jaw play a crucial role in determining a child’s overbite, underbite and teeth spacing. Irregularities in either of them often result in a lack of self-confidence.
What seems to be a harmless act, at first sight, can cause dental problems later on. Excessive thumb sucking or overuse of a pacifier can hamper tooth formation and often leads to an open bite. Open bite is a condition where the upper front teeth don’t align and come together with the lower front teeth, resulting in a gap when the mouth is closed.
“Object sucking gives children a sense of emotional security and comfort. But if thumb sucking continues beyond the age of 5, when the permanent teeth begin to come in, dental problems can occur.”
Medically reviewed by Evan Frisbee, DMD. Written by WebMD Editors.
Grinding is one of the common teeth problems in kids. This is an involuntary habit that exists in toddlers. However, if the habit persists and isn’t broken, it increases the chances of damaging the enamel, causing tooth decay. These are the six common children’s teeth problems to be aware of as a parent. These are the six dental problems in children to be aware of.
Do you know there are effective methods to prevent dental problems in your kids?
4 Must- Know Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a gradual process that takes place over an extended period. If nipped in the bud, it could eliminate complexities that may arise later in your child’s life. Here are a few tips to ensure dental care.
- Inculcate the habit of regular teeth brushing activity in your little ones.
- Once your child is over two years old, you can start flossing his or her teeth.
- Limit sugary items and keep a check on your child’s diet.
- Regular visits to the dentist can be a good way of avoiding possible dental issues.
Knowing the four ways to prevent tooth decay will help parents resolve most of the dental problems in children.
Conclusion
As parents, it is essential to teach your children about oral hygiene for stronger tooth development. In this article, we have covered why it is essential to prevent dental problems in children. We have also mentioned the five deadly stages of tooth decay, the six most common dental problems, and four must-know ways to prevent tooth decay. This article has covered the essentials of children’s teeth problems for parents in particular. What are the other common dental issues you have observed which we have missed out; do share your experiences.
Here at EuroKids, we strive to achieve the overall development of your little one, starting from dental care to enlightening the mind of your toddler. We believe that the mind of a child is a blank slate, waiting to be written on. Our group of experts guide and nurture your little ones into autonomous learners who are equipped with the tools to meet the challenges of life. Visit our blog to know more about child development.
For informative and accurate articles on all things related to your new born-toddler’s development, growth, health and nutrition, follow EuroKids Blogs and do check out our nationally recognized preschools – EuroKids for the first step in your kid’s educational journey!
