Why Oral Health Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored

If your child complains of a toothache, there are several things that could be happening. A new tooth could be erupting or a baby tooth might be loose. These are very common occurrences, but there are other issues that could be affecting your child that might endanger their oral health. Your kid’s dentist should be seen every six months for cleaning and a dental exam, but in addition to those visits consult their dental provider for any problems that might occur.

Trauma to a tooth – If your child has experienced any kind of traumatic event affecting their mouth, there may be cause for concern. If a tooth’s nerve center is impacted, the tooth may or may not become discolored indicating a problem. Endodontic therapy may save a permanent tooth, so having your child examined by their dentist is essential.

Daily oral maintenance – Just as your child may neglect making their bed daily or keeping their room clean, they may need a daily nudge to make sure they are brushing and flossing every day. The caregiver needs to provide the correct tools, but if they are not being used every day, having a great toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste and rinses, and your child’s favorite floss are meaningless.

Daily oral maintenance is needed to keep plaque formation to a minimum … plaque buildup can result in dental decay and/or the onset of gum disease. Dental decay is more likely to occur in children as their teeth are not as strong at this age. Pediatric dentistry has many tools available to help in preventing tooth decay like topical fluoride applications and dental sealants that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth.

If your child tells you their gums are bleeding, this may be cause for concern. Your child should be using a soft bristle toothbrush and taught that they do not need to use excessive pressure when brushing to get their teeth clean. Your child might benefit from an electronic toothbrush. In addition to their ability to clean teeth, a built-in timer is usually included to encourage your child to brush the recommended two minutes every time they brush. Unprovoked bleeding gums may be an indication of gum disease.

Your child’s permanent teeth must last a lifetime so be proactive in their care. Your child will be grateful you did.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our team!