When it comes to the dental health of your kids, you need to be very serious about it. The oral health of the children is more vulnerable to problems if proper care is not taken. The first set of teeth that comes to your kid, also known as baby teeth or milk teeth, holds space for the adult teeth later.

It is important that the baby teeth of the child remain in good condition for as long as possible. However, due to changing lifestyle and other habits, there are a lot of dental problems rising among children.

If the problem is grave you need to get it checked with a proper pediatric dentist. However, taking proper care of a kid’s dental health can avoid problems and keep better dental health.

What are the common dental health problems in kids?

Here are some common dental health problems observed in children:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a prevalent problem among children. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and inadequate fluoride exposure can contribute to tooth decay.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, such as gingivitis, can affect children as well. It occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline, leading to inflammation, redness, and swelling of the gums. Poor oral hygiene and inadequate dental care can contribute to gum disease in kids.

Tooth Eruption Problems

Sometimes, children may experience issues with tooth eruption. This can include delayed eruption, where teeth emerge later than expected, or impaction, where teeth do not fully emerge from the gums. These problems may require treatment from a dentist or orthodontist.

Malocclusions

Malocclusions are problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Common malocclusions in children include overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. These issues can affect the appearance, chewing, and speech of a child, and they may require orthodontic treatment.

Tooth Injuries

Children are prone to tooth injuries due to their active lifestyles and participation in sports activities. Common injuries include chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. Immediate dental attention is crucial in these situations to prevent further damage.

What are the tips to take care of a kid’s dental health?

Although dental health problems are common in kids, taking proper care of dental health can keep dental health better.

Here are some useful tips to take care of kid’s dental health:

Proper tooth brushing

Once the first tooth emerges, around six months of age, start brushing with an age-appropriate toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. As your child grows, encourage them to brush twice a day for two minutes.

Show your child how to brush their teeth effectively, using gentle circular motions on all tooth surfaces. Supervise brushing till 5 to 7 years of age til they have the dexterity to do it independently.

Avoid more sugary food eating habits

Avoid eating sugary snacks and drinks which are responsible for tooth decay. Encourage a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Provide water as the main drink between meals.

Avoid prolonged bottle feeding

Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other than water. Prolonged exposure to sugary liquids can lead to tooth decay, known as “baby bottle tooth decay.”

Visit dental regularly

Begin dental visits regularly after an interval of six months. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to monitor dental development, address any concerns, and provide preventive treatments like fluoride varnish or dental sealants.

Flossing regularly

As soon as your child’s teeth start to touch, usually around age 2 to 3, begin flossing their teeth once a day. Teach them the correct flossing technique as they get older.

Teach properly

Children often imitate their parent’s behavior, making oral hygiene a family affair. Brush and floss your teeth together to reinforce the importance of good dental care.

These are some of the common dental problems that arise in kids. You need to get proper treatment from a reputed pediatric dentist to ensure better oral health.

Apart from the above issues, some kids might also have teeth misalignment problems. You need to get treatment from an Orthodontist for straightening your teeth.

Moreover, you need to emphasize the importance of oral health hygiene to your kids with videos, animations, books, etc. It will make them serious about the care to be taken for better dental health.