Healthy oral health is extremely important in children, as it not only affects their ability to chew or articulate but also has an effect on the general wellness of a child. In the opinion of many, dental problems in children are rare, but if left untreated, they lead to serious issues such as pain, discomfort, and other even more serious problems like infections or developmental issues. Fortunately, with proper dental checkups and on-time treatment, most of the problems mentioned can be handled. In this blog, we shall run down some of the most common dental problems in children and their respective treatments. In case you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Bangalore or searching for a children’s dentist near you, having these concerns addressed on time is important.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
The most prevalent oral disease in children is tooth decay. Bacterial activity creates an acid residue known as plaque, a sticky layer accumulating sugars from food on dental surfaces. These acids erode the tooth enamel slowly over time, producing cavities.
Treatments:
Fluoride treatment: Fluoride is applied to assist in the re-mineralizing of dental enamel and can even reverse early stages of tooth decay.
Dental Fillings: For mildly larger cavities, a pediatric dentist will make fillings to restructure the tooth and prevent it from getting worse.
Prevention of Cavity – Routine visits to a dental clinic in Whitefield or a pediatric dentist in Bangalore, especially for cleaning and fluoride applications are musts for young children that haven’t even mastered their technique of brushing.
Gingivitis or Gum Diseases
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, causing the gums to become swollen, red, and bleeding. Poor oral hygiene can lead to this common condition in children and that is gum disease. Plaque builds up around the gum line due to poor oral hygiene.
Treatment:
Professional Cleaning: Pediatric dentists clean the entire mouth, which cleans the plaque and tartar built on the teeth. This may stop the future growth of gum disease.
Good Oral Hygiene: Educate kids on proper brushing and flossing techniques to avert the dreadful condition of gum disease from further worsening.
Whenever your child manifests signs of gum disease, you are advised to seek a nearby children’s dentist and avert other complicated conditions subsequently.
Crooked Teeth (Malocclusion)
Most children have malocclusion. It may be due to genetics, excessive sucking of the thumb, or other habits. Misalignment may include crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and the like. This is not painful or uncomfortable in the short run, but it may cause chewing difficulties and speech problems, as well as low self-esteem, as the child grows up.
Treatment
It could be done by either braces or aligners. Orthodontic treatment includes the use of braces or clear aligners to straighten the misalignment of the teeth.
Space Maintainers: In some cases, if a baby tooth is lost earlier than normal, a space maintainer can be used to prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting over the gap.
Pediatrics Bangalore dentist can assess your child’s teeth and advise whether orthodontic treatment is required. It definitely is a big difference in the final result if it is done early.
Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Use
While thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal for babies and preschoolers, continued sucking past the age of three or four years may contribute to dental problems, including open bites and overbites. This is because continuous sucking changes the positioning of the teeth and shape of the jaw.
Treatment:
Behavioral Intervention: A pediatric dentist may recommend strategies to overcome the habit by the child, especially if it persists longer than age three or four years.
Dental Devices: In some cases, dental appliances can be used to discourage the thumb sucking habit.
If you’re concerned about your child’s thumb sucking habit, a consultation appointment at Whitefields Dental Clinic or any other trusted clinic would be very helpful.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sometimes, sensitivity to the teeth troubles kids because any hot, cold, or sweet food causes annoyance. This can be related to many factors. The reasons can include a tooth having very thin enamel, there is development of a cavity, or there could be a recession of the gums.
Treatment:
Desensitizing Toothpaste
The most likely solution will depend on how sensitive the teeth are. You may have to use a special type of toothpaste in order to control the discomfort. Another alternative would include the Fluoride treatment that can enhance the enamel in order to minimize the pain. If decay or gum problems are the cause, those conditions have to be treated by a pediatric dentist. Seek a dentist in Whitefield, Bangalore to examine, determine the root cause of sensitivity, and provide the right treatment.
Prevention of Common Dental Problems for Children
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to the health of dental. Here are some tips on keeping your child’s teeth healthy and less likely to have dental issues:
- Regular Dental Visits: Check-ups at a dental clinic in Whitefield or any other good clinic near you will help check the emergence of problems at a better time.
- Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks and thus reduce the possibility of a cavity.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Teaches the child to brush twice a day and floss regularly to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: The best defense is making sure that the enamel is strengthened with fluoride, so it doesn’t decay.
Conclusion
Early detection of your child’s dental issues will save you from their discomfort and some of the more severe conditions in later life. Whether it is tooth decay, gum disease, or even alignment, treatments are available at local dental clinics in Whitefield. If you are browsing for a pediatric dentist in Bangalore, Growing Smiles, a clinic that specializes in children’s dental care. With regular checkups and proper treatment, your child will enjoy lifetime healthy smiles.