Common Dental Problems Affecting Kids

Good dental care can begin even before a child gets that first precious tooth, as parents can get little ones accustomed to the sensation of having their mouth cleaned by gently wiping their gums after each feeding, using a clean washcloth or damp gauze to remove residues. As soon as the first tooth erupts, it should be brushed gently using a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and water or a tiny smear of toothpaste.

West Bowmanville Family Dental welcomes patients of all ages, especially children, and we encourage parents to bring their kids to visit us early on and certainly by age three. First-time parents might be unsure how to care for their child’s teeth, but we are here to help. We can work closely with parents, teaching them how to look after their kid’s teeth. Regular visits allow us to monitor the growth and development of their teeth and jaws, detecting any problems earlier on when corrective or restorative treatment is easier for a child to tolerate and is less invasive. Regular dental checkups and cleans can help avoid common oral health problems affecting children in Newcastle. These include tooth decay, gum disease, and losing primary teeth too soon.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky layer that gradually builds up over teeth. These bacteria convert the sugars found in food and drink into assets that gradually erode tooth enamel, eventually causing holes that develop into cavities. Younger children are more prone to developing tooth decay in Clarington than teenagers and adults because primary teeth have softer and thinner tooth enamel than adult or permanent teeth.

Although tooth decay is common, it is preventable by following a good oral care routine and ensuring your child’s teeth are cleaned thoroughly at least twice daily. When they start to come into contact, you will also need to begin flossing between them. We can show you how to brush your child’s teeth properly and can also offer useful tips on making teeth cleaning more enjoyable for you both. We can also show you how to floss your child’s teeth thoroughly.

As your child gets older, they will want to begin brushing their teeth themselves, and we can work with them directly, showing them the proper techniques. However, you will still need to supervise their toothbrushing, and you will probably need to help them floss until around age 10 when they have enough dexterity to complete this task independently.

If your child has some problems with cavities despite good oral care, we can review their diet with you and make some suggestions to ensure it is tooth friendly. Any teeth that already have cavities can be restored with a tooth-coloured filling.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common condition in adults but can also affect children. A buildup of dental plaque results in the gums becoming red, swollen and beginning to bleed more frequently. Early gum disease, called gingivitis, is reversible by having your child’s teeth professionally cleaned and improving their oral care routine at home.

Losing Primary Teeth Too Soon

When a child has a severely infected or decayed tooth, it may be necessary to remove it. Losing a primary tooth too soon can impact the growth and development of adult teeth. This is because it creates a gap in the mouth, allowing the remaining teeth to move towards it. As a result, there may be insufficient room for the adult tooth to erupt normally, and there is a greater chance of teeth becoming overcrowded and crooked.

If your child does lose a tooth too soon, we can discuss possible treatments to hold open the gap, perhaps by using a space maintainer in Courtice, a simple device that remains in place until the adult tooth erupts.

Share this post

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on print
Share on email

READY FOR THE SMILE OF YOUR DREAMS?

Contact Our Team Today!