Being a parent keeps you on your toes, juggling work, life, and kids all at once. And keeping an eye on your kids while doing all of these is like waging a war. One minute, they’re happily munching on fruit; the next, you catch them sneaking a chocolate bar. Maintaining their health and oral hygiene is a big challenge that most parents worry about day and night. Children can also face a variety of dental issues if their oral hygiene is not proper. At Leumeah Dental Surgery, a trusted family dental clinic in the Leumeah community, we specialise in family dentistry and helping parents stay ahead of common dental challenges. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of children’s dental hygiene and the top 5 dental problems that kids face these days.
The Importance of Children’s Dental Hygiene
Children’s dental hygiene is not something to be taken lightly. Maintaining oral health from an early age can help children stay healthy even when they get older. Regular brushing and flossing, and other routine habits, can develop a strong foundation for lifelong oral health. Beyond sparkling smiles, healthy teeth are also important for proper speech, nutrition, and confidence. And proper oral care for young children and regular visits to a professional family dentist also help prevent most dental problems. When it comes to oral health, early intervention is the smartest investment.
The Top 5 Common Dental Problems in Children
Here are five dental issues that every parent should be aware of:
1. Tooth Decay
One of the most common diseases in children, tooth decay, can result from many factors. However, high sugar intake is usually the main cause of this problem. When we consume food, sugars and acids present in it break down the tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities. Poor hygiene, irregular brushing, and a lack of fluoride increase the risk of tooth decay. To prevent tooth decay, encourage children to follow a low-sugar diet and teach them to brush their teeth twice daily from an early age. And if you’re worried about their molars, ask your dentist about a good dental sealant.
2. Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier Habits
It is expected that infants and toddlers use pacifiers or suck their thumbs. And these habits can be prolonged till the age of three or four in some children. However, when they continue beyond the age of four, it can affect teeth alignment and jaw development. A 2012 study of Australian mothers indicated that the prevalence of use of a pacifier among children at age 4 was about 48%, decreasing to 12.1% by age 7, and persisting in only 1.9% of 12-year-olds. Parents should take care and use some gentle strategies and distraction techniques, if necessary, to help their child gradually stop these habits. Your family dental clinic can provide guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs.
3. Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Just like teeth, your gums also need attention and care regularly. If you don’t clean them regularly, it can cause plaque buildup on the gums, which can lead to inflammation, also called Gingivitis. Gum inflammation is usually noticed when your gums start looking red or swollen, and you experience pain and bleeding in them. To prevent this, parents should teach their children the right techniques to brush and floss their teeth daily.
4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many children also have the habit of grinding their teeth, also called bruxism. It is an involuntary habit that usually happens at night. It can be caused by stress, misaligned teeth, or even just a developmental phase. But if you notice your child grinding their teeth or waking up with sore jaws, it’s time for a visit to the family dentistry. Follow their recommendation, whether it’s a nightguard or some other solution to protect your child’s teeth.
5. Dental Trauma (Injuries)
Active children are prone to dental injuries, whether it’s chipped, cracked, or even knocked-out teeth. According to a recent publication by the University of Adelaide, the global incidence rate of Traumatic Dental Injuries has been estimated to be 2.82 per 100 persons per year. For parents, knowing what to do in an emergency is crucial. If you have a knocked-out tooth, gently rinse it with water, avoid scrubbing, avoid touching the root, and head to the dentist immediately. Having a trusted family dental clinic ensures prompt and expert care when accidents happen.
Prevent Dental Problems for a Healthy Smile
Prevention is always better than a cure. Encouraging good children’s dental hygiene at home and booking regular check-ups with a family dental clinic are the most effective ways to keep these dental problems at bay.
Conclusion
Being proactive about oral care for young children sets the stage for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles. Early vigilance, proper brushing and flossing routines, and regular professional care are the keys to preventing common dental problems.
At Leumeah Dental Surgery, a dedicated family dental clinic, we’re ready to support your entire family’s oral health journey. Book a consultation with our friendly team today and make sure your child’s smile stays bright, healthy, and confident for years to come!
Source-
1- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556112/#:~:text=Introduction,years%20of%20age.%5B3%5D
2- https://health.adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/dperu/ua/media/203/practice-sheet-traumatic-dental-injuries.pdf