Gupta Dental Care and Orthodontic center promote preventative and restorative dental care by developing decay prevention plans and helping our patients establish and keep proper dental practices, especially for children.

Parents need to know the most common dental problems that their child can experience and their prevention to prevent further problems during their adulthood.

Here are common dental problems that children and adolescents experience:

  1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)
  2. Tooth Sensitivity
  3. Pediatric Gingivitis and Gum Disease
  4. Orthodontic Problems
  5. Excessive Thumb Sucking

Tooth decay

Tooth decay or cavity can be seen as:

  • Dull, white band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line
  • Yellow, brown, or black band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line (this indicates progressed decay)
  • Teeth that look like brownish-black stumps (this indicates advanced decay)

One should go for regular dental check-ups for good oral health and prevent these cavities. If the cavities have been developed, then proper treatment is done to prevent further diseases.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is the most uncomfortable and it affects the kids in various ways. Sensitivity to hot and cold food items can make one to giving up certain foods, mood changes, and irritability in children.

  • Tooth Sensitivity can be due to many reasons:
  • Poor Brushing Habits
  • Cavities and Decay
  • Enamel erosion
  • Sinus infection
  • Loose or cracked fillings

Sensitivity is a very common dental problem in children that leads to mood swings and makes them uncomfortable, sometimes creating a phobia of eating cold or hot food items in children. One should go for treatments of their kids quickly for a healthy dental routine, you’ll find that they are happier and more able to enjoy the foods and drinks that they love.

Pediatric Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Pediatric gingivitis is basically swelling of gums, gums turn red and bleed easily (e.g. While brushing)

Gingivitis can be cured by taking preventive measures like regular routine brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. However, if left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.

Orthodontic Problems:

Usually, parents believe that they must wait to begin orthodontic treatment until the eruption of all the permanent teeth.

In some cases, orthodontic problems are much effortless and uncomplicated to treat while the jaw is still growing. Orthodontists recommend that every child should go for an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment:

  1. Early or late loss of baby teeth.
  2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
  3. Mouth breathing
  4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
  5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
  6. Speech difficulty
  7. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  8. Teeth that stick out too far
  9. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all.

Excessive Thumb Sucking:

When to worry!

Sucking is a normal baby reflex. It makes the babies and toddlers feel safe, gives peace, helps them to know about their world and their developing teeth. Thumb sucking is also soothing, helps to induce sleep, or calms the child when separated from their parents or when placed in a stressful situation. Thumb sucking till the age of 3-4 years is considered normal for a child.

Ways to Help Your Child to Quit Thumb Sucking

  • Praise your kid, when your child doesn’t suck their thumb. Always stay positive with them and with all the situations.
  • Keep eye on your child, when he/she does it, try to distract them or to provide other options.
  • If your child sucks their thumb when they feel anxiety, you should look for ways to alleviate that anxiety.
  • Never hesitate to ask a dentist for help and have them explain the dangers of thumb sucking.
  • Stick a band-aid or sock to your child’s hand as a reminder that thumb-sucking should be avoided.
  • Chart the progress and give rewards on the success to the kid.

If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, it’s time to schedule a consultation with us so we can assess if your child would benefit from early intervention or ongoing monitoring of their growth and development.

Book a consultation at Gupta Dental Care and Orthodontic Centre today.