The 4 Most Common Pediatric Dental Problems
When it comes to your child's health, there are probably numerous things that you take into consideration. A child's general health is something that most parents think about on a near constant basis. However, there are numerous phenomenona and bodily orientations that parents tend to forget about. Among the most common of the forgotten forms of child health care is related to dental issues. Many parents simply believe that since a child's set of teeth will be replaced with adult teeth, they need not worry about oral health as much as other parts of the body. Nothing could be further from the truth. Throughout the course of this article, you will learn of 4 of the most common pediatric dental problems, many of which parents tend to ignore.
Tooth Decay
Caries, commonly referred to as tooth decay, are one of the most common problems that you can find with regards to a child's oral health. This is indeed a strange case, since tooth decay is easily preventable. One of the most important things you can do for your child is monitor his or her dietary habits. Carbohydrate-laden foods, such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta, as well as sugary stuffs, such as soft drinks, cookies and candies, should be kept to an absolute minimum. All of these foods can lead to deposits on the teeth, which can lead to plaque and tartar, which are the primary sources of tooth decay.
Sensitive Teeth
Usually, if your child's teeth are sensitive, it is your child's baby teeth that are the culprit. Numerous children, especially when the enamel on their teeth has not gained the strength that adults are used to, are subject to having sensitive teeth. This means that hot and cold substances can cause them mild annoyance to severe discomfort. Children who are subjected to poor dietary habits can also suffer from such problems, as sweets and carbohydrate-laden foods can lead to small cracks in the enamel of the tooth, which can cause sensitive teeth. There are numerous solutions to this problem, including tooth pastes especially designed for individuals with sensitive teeth, as well as nightguards specifically designed to curb sensitivity in teeth.
Bruxism
Bruxism, commonly referred to as grinding of the teeth, is a problem that is preventable, but can become a habit that seems so natural (and even addictive) that it can be a difficult phenomenon to put a stop to. Although it is a developmental habit which generally subsides as a child ages, it is recommended that you take the steps to try to get your child to cease this behavior before it persists to a serious stage. Bruxism can cause serious structural damage to the teeth themselves and also harm the jaw muscle. There are numerous ways to treat bruxism, but it is generally treated with a simple nightguard, as much of the grinding occurs during the child's sleeping hours.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is one of the most common forms of oral hygiene issues; not only is it common in children, it can persist to be a problem on into adulthood. Gingivitis is a gum disease that occurs due to the presence of plaque, which forms when one does not practice good dental hygiene habits. Gingivitis can be easily detected as a child may complain of inflammation, swelling, hypersensitivity and even bleeding of the gums themselves. Gingivitis can be easily prevented by teaching your child good oral hygiene habits. Brushing thrice a day as well as flossing can generally put a stop to gingivitis.
Your child's oral hygiene is deeply important. Do not ignore your child's oral health at the expense of inconvenience. It is important to impart the knowledge of proper oral care to your child. For more information, talk to your child's dentist.
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