Preventive Dental Care San Diego
Dental issues in kids are more common than many people realize. Unfortunately, however, many symptoms of oral problems in kids go unnoticed until it’s too late. What’s more, many parents tend to overlook their children’s dental issues thinking they will go away on their own. Some even go for over-the-counter solutions. Big mistake!
Without proper intervention, your kid’s oral problem could quickly spiral out of control, leading to more severe problems. In such cases, you certainly need to visit preventive dental care San Diego in order to tackle these kinds of problems. At least you could do this, so your kids don’t face these oral problems in future.
Here are some of the most common dental problems in kids.
Also called tooth decay, tooth cavities top the list of the most common oral problems in the USA. According to the CDC, at least one in five kids aged 5 to 11 currently has some forms of tooth cavity. Cavities develop when plaque produces acids that strip away the enamel.
Not tending to cavities can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum diseases, and eating problems. In severe cases, cavities can cause life-threatening complications such as brain or heart infections.
Remedy: Ensuring your kid is brushing and flossing twice a day can help prevent cavities by dislodging the plaque before it builds up.
2. Halitosis or Bad Breath
Halitosis or bad breath is another common oral problem among US children. Contrary to popular belief, bad breath isn’t caused by eating pungent foods but by oral bacteria. When these bacteria feed on the food material in the mouth, they release hydrogen sulfide — the ultimate cause of bad breath.
Bad breath can also be caused by gum diseases or dry mouth. In some cases, stinking breath can be a sign of other underlying issues, like diabetes or digestive problems.
Remedy:Â Proper oral hygiene, brushing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help fight bad breath.
A child’s enamel is much thinner than the enamel of an adult, so if your child brushes too hard, has tooth decay, or has a broken or chipped tooth, they are likely to experience some form of tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity, also sometimes referred to as dentin hypersensitivity, develops when your child’s teeth nerve-endings are exposed to enamel erosion. If your child complains whenever they have anything hot or cold, they are likely suffering from teeth sensitivity.
Remedy:Â You can temporarily soothe sensitivity by using specialty toothpaste. For a long-term solution to this problem, consider scheduling regular dental check-ups for your kid.
A toddler sucking their thumb is a pretty ordinary sight, but if the habit continues, it may become detrimental to your child’s oral health. Thumb sucking can lead to an alteration to your child’s bite or speech impediments.
If your kid has a thumb-sucking problem, talk to our dentists here at Sunray Pediatric Dentistry, and we’ll share with you some tips that can help your child kick the habit.
