Dental and oral health are just one aspect of your child’s overall health and wellness. Knowing what common dental issues are for children throughout their childhood will help parents identify issues as well as teach and encourage healthy habits that will help them maintain their oral health throughout their lives.
Here are some common dental issues your child may experience and how a childrens dentist in Bakersfield can help.
Common Children’s Dental Issues
Throughout their childhoods, kids may experience one or more of the following dental issues:
- Baby bottle tooth decay. Early tooth decay can occur from too much contact with sugary drinks or from falling asleep with milk or other drinks in their mouths. If not addressed, early decay can cause pain and may affect the proper growth and alignment of adult teeth.
- Early tooth loss. Tooth decay, injury, or lack of jaw space can result in early tooth loss of baby teeth. This can cause nearby teeth to shift and may cause adult teeth to grow crooked or misaligned.
- Pediatric gingivitis. The precursor to gum disease, gingivitis can occur in children with poor oral hygiene. It can cause pain, swelling, redness, and gum recession as well as bleeding during brushing or flossing.
- Tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can affect how a child eats and may make them avoid brushing and flossing. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by teeth grinding, cracked or missing fillings, decay/cavities, acid erosion, or newly erupted adult teeth.
- Orthodontic issues. Most children do not have perfectly straight adult teeth and may need some intervention. Issues with alignment are often genetic as the size and shape of the jaw is a major factor in how teeth grow in.
- Bad breath. Also known as halitosis, bad breath can be an issue with children and can affect their self-confidence and socialization skills. Bad breath is often the result of poor oral hygiene as decay and/or food and bacteria that is not removed regularly can lead to halitosis.
How a Childrens Dentist Bakersfield Can Help
Having regular checkups with a childrens dentist Bakersfield—every six months is usually recommended—is one of the best ways to identify dental problems early and ensure your child receives the care he or she needs. During regular checkups, a dentist can identify early tooth decay and gingivitis as well as help with interventions such as mouthguards or orthodontic care.
Having your child visit the dentist regularly will also help your child become comfortable with oral care so they continue to visit a dentist regularly throughout the rest of their lives.
Choosing a Childrens Dentist Bakersfield
Do you need a new dentist for your child or children? Choosing the right dentist is an important decision that will affect how your child views oral care for the rest of his or her life. To choose the right dentist, ask around for referrals, read online reviews, and take your child to visit potential dental offices to see if they are comfortable in the environment and with the team. Keep your child involved in the decision to ensure he or she is happy with the choice.
