Explaining 5 Of The Most Common Dental Problems In Kids

Just like adults, kids can experience serious dental health issues without proper oral hygiene and regular six-month checkups. Because of this, it’s important for parents to stay on top of their children’s oral health, and to know about common dental problems that may affect their little ones. Let's get into the details in this blog from Sycamore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.

1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Cavities are, by a wide margin, the most common dental health problem in kids of all ages. Tooth decay happens when children don’t brush and floss properly. Other risk factors, like eating lots of sugar or not drinking enough water as well as genetic factors, can also contribute to cavity risk.

If a child has a cavity, the most common symptoms are tooth sensitivity, visible tooth discoloration, or even a pit or hole in their tooth. If you think that your child may have a cavity, they need to get the proper diagnosis and treatment from Sycamore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, such as a filling.

2. Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental problem that children may experience from clenching or grinding their teeth during sleep or when they are feeling stressed. It can cause tooth wear, headaches, and jaw pain, which can be uncomfortable for children. Tooth grinding can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, or certain medical conditions. If your child is experiencing tooth grinding, it's important to speak with Sycamore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to develop a plan to help them feel comfortable and prevent further issues. 

3. Dental Trauma From Playing, Accidents, And Sports

Accidents happen, especially to rambunctious kids! Dental injuries like chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth are pretty common in kids, and can happen due to horseplay, accidental slips and falls, or playing contact sports.

There’s no way to prevent accidents and dental emergencies completely. That’s why they're accidents! But especially if your child plays sports or has “extreme” hobbies like skateboarding, we recommend getting them an athletic mouthguard. Mouthguards dramatically reduce the risk of serious oral injuries during athletic activity.

4. Pediatric Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

Generally speaking, gum disease is a lot less common in kids than in adults. But without proper at-home oral hygiene, it can still happen. If your child isn’t brushing or flossing properly, bacteria will build up between their teeth and gums and infect their gum tissue.

This may cause swollen, red, inflamed gums, gum tenderness, “soft” or “spongy” gums, and sensitive teeth. The good news is that pediatric gingivitis is almost always reversible with proper at-home oral hygiene and gum care from a pediatric dentist.

5. Oral Development Problems

‍Not all kids have perfectly straight teeth and properly-aligned jaws. It’s quite common for there to be some oral development problems as your child grows older, especially around their preteen years.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to see an orthodontist for a consultation when they're about 7-8 years old. Early intervention with phase 1 orthodontics can improve your little one’s oral health, and even reduce the need for future treatment like braces during their teenage years.

Keep Your Child’s Mouth Healthy With Routine Pediatric Dental Visits

The vast majority of dental health issues in childhood can be completely prevented or treated early by a pediatric dentist. So if you’re worried about your child’s oral health, the team at Sycamore Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Kearns and Dr. Jocelyn are both experienced, board-certified pediatric dentists and can provide your kids with the oral hygiene tips, dental care, and guidance they need for a lifetime of healthy smiles. So don’t wait. Contact us online or schedule a six-month checkup by phone at (732) 963-8680, and keep your little ones smiling brightly!