Common Dental Problems during Childhood

Good dental habits need to be instilled in children during their childhood because those habits develop further with the passage of time.In this scenario, it is very important to make sure that your children are good at brushing and flossing. Moreover, you need to teach them about consumption of water in healthy amounts.

Nevertheless, there are a few bad dental habits or problems which the parents need to look out for.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay can be quite a concern whether it is in the baby teeth or permanent teeth. This problem is basically caused due to the wearing off of tooth enamel.According to a survey, 20% of the children aging between 5 and 11 suffer from tooth decay. Tooth decay and cavities can occur in baby teeth as well as in the permanent teeth. And by far, it is one of the most common dental problems in children. This problem can lead to further dental infections and extreme pain.

Sensitive teeth

Tooth sensitivity is also very common issue among children. Top reasons for this condition may include wearing out of tooth enamel, gum recession, and cracks on the teeth that expose inner nerves. The pain due to sensitivity is usually at peak when hot and cold foods and beverages are consumed. Tooth sensitivity can also occur due to tooth decay. In most of the cases, application of sealants and an effective dental hygiene routine are the ideal solutions for the treatment of tooth sensitivity in children.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a common habit among the children aging between 2 and 4 years. However, this habit may extend to the older ages. This habit can lead to misalignment of bite and other dental issues.You need to encourage your children to quite thumb sucking or you can discuss it with your dentist to find an effective solution for this issue.

Gum disease

Children are not normally aware about the right ways to take care of their dental health and hygiene. As a result, it is quite normal for them to have plaque building up on their teeth. This plaque buildup can lead to swelling and bleeding of the gums. Good thing is that proper brushing and flossing can reverse this condition. For this purpose, you need to teach your kids about right way to brush and floss their teeth. You also need to take your kids for regular cleanings and occasional deep cleanings.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is very common among babies, toddlers and children below 6 years of age. While this habit goes away eventually, some children find it hard quitting grinding their teeth. This habit is dangerous for the baby teeth and if this habit becomes a permanent one, the danger exists for the permanent teeth too. Quitting grinding teeth is very important in this regard, and you will have to help your children in doing so.