5 Common Kids Teeth Problems For Young Mums To Be Aware Of

Many of the dental problems that affect kids are the same as those that affect adults. But the difference is that your child’s teeth are still developing and are softer than their permanent ones. Without treatment, dental problems can cause misalignment and poor tooth development which in adulthood can lead to more serious problems. 

Understanding common paediatric dental problems and why they occur can help a young mum and her child know how to prevent them. Here are 5 of the most common kids teeth problems along with tips for avoiding them.

 

In a report carried out by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it was found that Australian children between the ages of 5 and 10 had on average 1.5 decayed teeth, missing, and filled baby teeth. Of the 8.1% of Australian children with oral diseases in this age group, 99% was due to dental cavities, making tooth decay the most prevalent disease in Australian children. 

Tooth decay is caused by harmful bacteria that are present in plaque – the sticky film that coats the surface of the teeth. When exposed to certain types of food, plaque produces acids that attack the tooth enamel and eventually cause decay. 

Some of the problem foods that help plaque grow and eat away at a child’s teeth include sugar-laden sweets, fruit juice, and cakes. Cooked starches such as pasta, potatoes, and bread also contribute to the accumulation of plaque. A diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates combined with poor brushing habits will inevitably lead to decay. 

Fortunately, tooth decay can be prevented with a proper brushing technique and regular visits to the dentist. To avoid dental problems like this, young mums should ensure their child’s teeth are properly brushed twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossed before they go to bed. It also helps to limit the sugary foods they consume, especially before bedtime.

Another of the most common kids teeth problems is sensitive teeth. If your child experiences discomfort from hot or cold foods or drinks then they could have sensitive teeth. Sometimes just breathing in hot or cold air can cause tooth sensitivity. While this in itself isn’t problematic, it could point to a more serious problem such as cavities or tooth decay. 

Your dentist should provide a solution to tooth sensitivity by applying a sealant which strengthens the tooth enamel and fills in any fine cracks. Also, look to encourage your child to use a soft-bristle toothbrush at home since a hard-bristle toothbrush can damage the surface of the teeth. 

Many infants, toddlers, and small children resort to sucking their thumb and/or a pacifier when they feel anxious. It’s not a big deal when children are small but continued thumb-sucking past toddler age should be prevented where possible as it can cause problems with the way your child’s teeth develop. 

Well, excessive thumb-sucking and pacifier use can cause a condition known as an open bite. This is when the front teeth in the upper jaw don’t come together with the front teeth in the lower jaw and a gap is left when the mouth is closed. It can make it difficult for your child to bite and chew and may also affect their speech. 

It’s rare for children to have perfectly straight teeth without any sort of intervention. Fortunately, there are several orthodontic treatments that can help your child or teen with any confidence issues they may be facing. 

Orthodontic problems can often result from genetics with the size and shape of your child’s jaw playing an important role in how your child’s teeth grow and fit together. Common misalignments a young mum should be aware of include an open bite, underbite or overbite or spacing problems. 

While you can’t always avoid these particular dental problems, it’s a good idea to book your child in for their first orthodontic appointment when they’re around 7 or 8 years of age. Orthodontic problems don’t just mean crooked teeth. If your child’s teeth are severely crowded or misaligned, it can cause jaw problems, oral hygiene issues, and even lead to cracked teeth.  

If you thought that gum disease was only for adults then you’re mistaken. Unfortunately, for young mums, gum disease can occur in children and we commonly see it in our paediatric dental patients. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is marked by red swollen gums and gums that bleed easily when your child brushes or flosses their teeth. 

Gum disease is particularly aggressive in young children that don’t have good oral hygiene. They may suffer from pain in their mouth, receding gums, and facial swelling. Both gingivitis and gum disease could in most cases be avoided if more care is to brush and floss daily. In some cases, it may be that your child’s teeth have erupted out of alignment that it’s difficult for them to clean their teeth properly, which can result in areas of gum disease. 

At the end of the day, young mums can and should play an active role in their child’s oral care. By brushing and flossing with their child and taking them to their dentist for regular 6-month check-ups, any dental problems can be spotted and treated in their early stages. 

By working with your child and partnering with our dentist at Riverlands Dental you can avoid many of these common kids teeth problems. 

If you’re looking for a dentist that is great with children, then look no further than Riverlands Dental. We make visiting the dentist both fun and educational. We are passionate about helping our younger patients develop good oral habits they can take with them into adulthood. Why not put us to the test and book an appointment today.