6 Most Common Oral Issues in Children You Shouldn’t Neglect

There is a common misconception that children don’t need dental care due to their young age. However, the reality is that children should also visit the dentist regularly because they also can suffer from various diseases. Moreover, children tend to neglect proper oral hygiene and can develop even more cavities and infections. In this article, we gathered the six most common oral issues in children you shouldn’t neglect.

1. Tooth decay

Many children have a sweet tooth and this affects their oral health. You should understand that sugar is a perfect meal for bacteria that inhabit the child’s mouth. If the environment is sweet, these bacteria start to multiply more actively and produce acids. These acids soften the tooth enamel and make teeth more prone to tooth decay. 

It is important to know that it is essential to treat the baby teeth since tooth decay can spread to the permanent teeth that are developing. You should also tell your child that the constant consumption of sweets ruins his or her teeth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can help avoid serious complications. 

2. Gum disease

Despite the fact that gum disease is considered an illness of adults, children also have it quite often. The main cause of this is that children tend to have poor oral hygiene. This results in red swollen gums that can even bleed. 

If you have noticed such symptoms in your child, it is better to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, gum disease can advance and cause permanent teeth to grow shifted or crowded. It is also important to teach your child how to brush and floss his or her teeth properly. 

3. Teeth fractures

Chipped teeth and even teeth fractures are quite common for children. If a child broke a baby tooth, the dentist can simply seal it. However, it is more difficult to treat broken permanent teeth. In this case, you should visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.  

If a child chocked out the tooth completely, you should place this tooth into water or milk and immediately rush to the dentist. In some cases, the dentist can attach the tooth to its place. If your shield is active and has dental emergencies too often, You can buy a special mouthguard to protect his or her teeth. 

4. Shifted teeth

If the baby teeth fell out too early or stayed in place for a long period of time, it can make permanent teeth grow crooked and shifted. Fortunately, there are a lot of tools that can help align such teeth. However, it is important to visit an orthodontist it time since shifted teeth can cause facial asymmetry and problems with chewing. 

5. Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a quite common issue in children that suсk their thumbs or used a pacifier for a longer period than needed. However, this condition can also be hereditary and caused by injuries. If you have noticed signs of malocclusion in your child, you should visit a dentist to evaluate the condition and its severity.

You should also understand that if you start treatment early, it would take less time and effort to achieve good results. The most common treatment options for mallo9clusion include braces, removable devices, and Invisalign. Ask your doctor about the most appropriate option for your child. 

6. Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a condition in which a child unconsciously chances his or her teeth. In most cases, bruxism doesn’t require any treatment. However, if the child experiences jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, and wears teeth tips, it is better to visit a dentist to prevent more serious complications. A special night guard can help the child minimize teeth grinding and even get rid of it is a short period of time.