Children can incur dental health problems just as adults can. As a result, parents should learn the signs of common issues that sometimes plague kids, so the problems can be promptly addressed by a dental professional. Here are a few oral health conditions that your child may have:
Cavities
Cavities form as acids within the mouth, demineralizing the tooth enamel. As the holes develop in the weakened tooth material, a child may experience the following:
- Darkened tooth enamel
- Chronic toothaches
- Dental sensitivity to changes in temperature
- Recurrent discomfort when chewing on the side of the mouth where the cavity is located
As a cavity deepens, the inner layers of the tooth may be exposed to oral bacteria, causing an infection. In addition to the other symptoms that may occur with a cavity, a dental infection from the decay may cause the following:
- An abscess on the gums
- Smelly fluid leaking from the area around a tooth
- Bad breath
If a dental infection is not promptly treated, the infection may spread to other areas of the child's body through the bloodstream. The nerves of the tooth may become so damaged that an endodontic procedure or dental extraction is required to alleviate the youngster's pain.
A cavity that is promptly treated may only require a filling for treatment; however, larger cavities may require a dental crown for extra coverage and fortification.
Gum Disease
Oral acids that cause dental decay can also cause your child to develop gum disease. The acids irritate the soft gingival tissues, and the inflammation can lead to an infection of the gums.
The earliest stage of gum disease, which is called gingivitis, can be easily reversed. It has the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum tenderness
- Puffy gums
- Reddened gums
As the gum disease becomes more severe, additional symptoms may present. Here are a few symptoms that your child may have:
- Bad breath
- Pain while chewing
- Loosened teeth that are not due to shed
- Teeth that appear longer due to gum recession
Gum disease that remains untreated may cause tooth loss. In some instances, the bone of the jaw may even shrink.
To reverse early gum disease, your child may need to brush and floss more often. Additionally, the youngster may need to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
For more severe cases of gum disease, your dentist may have to perform scaling and root planing procedures.
If your child is experiencing dental health issues, contact the office of a local pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment. You can contact companies like Little Peoples Dentistry for more information.
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