Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums
Every parent has the best intentions for their child, including their dental health. As soon as the first permanent teeth appear, basic oral hygiene must be observed to prevent the most frequent diseases in children. It is essential to note that children of any age can develop dental-related problems, making engaging in preventative and early intervention pivotal. Let us see more about this and get some expert advice from Lytle Pediatric Dentist TX.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is among the well-known oral cavity diseases in young people. Indeed, the CDC points out that 20% of children between the ages of five and eleven have at least one cavity. When bacteria is allowed to form on teeth, it forms a sticky layer called the plaque, which slowly erodes the enamel to create cavities. Fortunately, cavities are easily preventable if proper care, such as daily brushing and flossing, is taken. For example, avoiding sweet foods and carbohydrates is needed for producing cavity-forming acids.
2. Bad Breath
Most of us experience having oral malodor, also known as halitosis, at some point in our lives. Though it is normal to experience halitosis in the morning, if your child’s breath still stinks throughout the day, it is a big sign of a problem. Halitosis originates from bacteria in the oral cavity that ferments food residue and plaque and produces sulfurous hydrogen. Bad breath can be caused by bad oral hygiene, lack of saliva in the mouth, gastrointestinal problems, and some drugs. Though children do not usually complain of having bad breath, you should make it a habit to brush your kid’s teeth and take them to a dentist for cleaning.
3. Sensitive Teeth
If your child complains frequently about hot or cold foods or air, he or she probably has sensitive teeth. While it is more common among older people due to the loss of dental enamel, children can also suffer from it due to the thinness of their dental enamel, which is in danger of wearing out quickly from plaque formation on the teeth. To address this, your pediatric dentist may use sealants in the vulnerable regions of your teeth. These will seal all gaps to build a stronger enamel on the teeth. A soft toothbrush should always be used to not remove the outer layer of the teeth.
4. Thumb Sucking
Although acceptable in infants and toddlers, thumb sucking after 5 years is detrimental to the development of the child’s teeth. It states that vigorous thumb sucking can cause harm to both baby and permanent teeth. It can also influence the teeth’ positioning, leading to speech difficulties. Speak to your children’s Colorado Springs pediatric dentist about ways to wean from this habit.
5. Baby Teeth Not Loosening
However, babies’ teeth do not exfoliate in some cases, termed over-retained primary teeth. This often occurs due to the lack of an adult tooth that can replace the primary tooth. Other possible causes may be jaw misalignment, an obstruction, injury, infection, or other pathological conditions that affect the jaws. The following issues could be attributed to over-retained teeth if not treated. Over-retained teeth could lead to so many dental issues, such as decay. Fortunately, your child’s dentist can pull out the baby tooth to enable the adult tooth to grow without interference. Orthodontics deals with any form of misalignment; thus, everyone could benefit from it somehow.
6. Gum Disease
Like all people, children can also develop gum disease called gingivitis. This inflammation of the gums results from a lack of cleanliness in the mouth, resulting in bone loss. If plaque deposits harden on the base of teeth, it increases gum inflammation, swelling the gum and turning reddish. In time, they become a little paler and begin pulling away from the gum line. They may also bruise quite easily – especially if one uses a piece of floss to clean around the gums.
7. Grinding
Another type of psychiatric disorder is teeth grinding, which is frequently observed in children. This might be due to teeth misalignment pain response, or stress, which affect one’s health. Normally bruxism does not need any intervention, but if it persists, both primary and secondary dentition may get worn. Some of the signs that are frequently reported include jaw tenderness and pain, headaches, and sensitivity. Your pediatric dentist can give you an appliance to protect your teeth while you grind at night.
In addition to addressing other general dentistry problems, choosing a pediatric dentist has some extra benefits for parents and kids. These additional advantages include
1. Specialized Expertise
Pediatric dental professionals at Lytle Pediatric Dentist are well-trained and experienced in different issues affecting a child’s teeth. These qualities ensure that young patients benefit from specialized treatment that addresses their needs.
2. Child-Friendly Environment
The Lytle Pediatric Dentist dental office is designed to be comfortable and evoke positive associations in children. The environment, from the color of the walls to the toys that the children interact with during their dental session, is chosen carefully to ensure that children have a positive attitude towards dental appointments.
3. Advanced Technology
Lytle Pediatric Dentist Treatment is a dental treatment center for children that uses highly technological equipment and facilities to attend to little patients. Such advancements from digital X-rays to lasers in dental procedures are accurate with effective treatment.
4. Compassionate Approach
Many of these dentists understand that the kids will require special attention in terms of handling, and this is why they need to be gentle when handling them. It will also involve building trust and effective communication and ensuring all children are comfortable and safe while undergoing dental procedures.
5. Comprehensive Services
It includes a full range of kid dentistry services like routine check-ups and cleanings, fillings, braces, and much more, as well as emergency dental care. This makes it easier for the parents to access their child’s dental needs in one place since many services are offered.
If you take your child to pediatric dentistry for regular checkups, the most prevailing dental issues a child may face are dealt with. Children’s dentists in Lytle Pediatric Dentist TX, office offer various treatments to ensure that your child has a healthy mouth, including preventive care and other procedures. With an emphasis on pediatric dentistry, you get the best treatment, an environment that is friendly for children, using the latest equipment and instruments, and friendly and professional dentists.