Looking after your child’s pearly whites isn’t just an aesthetic issue; there are many child-related dental issues that, as a parent, you have to prevent. Here are five major issues that can affect your child’s teeth.
1. Tooth Decay
When your child’s teeth accumulate plaque it leads to tooth decay. Acid and bacteria combine, which causes a stick film to form on your child’s teeth and cause dental caries and cavities. The enamel erodes and forms tiny holes in your child’s teeth, thus allowing bacteria to enter and cause teeth sensitivity, toothache and even pus to form.
2. Bad Breath.
Even though this is a family wellness issue that can affect adults and children alike, the principal offenders in kids are cavities in teeth, gum and food problems. This annoying dental issue is known as halitosis, and generally is a sign of disease and infection of the gums.
Your kid looks so cute when she’s sucking her thumb that you can be reluctant to make her stop, but letting it go on beyond the age of five can cause your child to develop dental issues. Her teeth will gradually start protruding and get misaligned, which will cause abnormal formation to occur in her jaw. Your child’s wellbeing may also become affected by malocclusion, which is a dental condition caused due to misaligned teeth. This leads to poor bites.
4. Gum problems.
The moment plaque starts to accumulate, gum disease and infections can begin. Periodontitis is one such gum disease which can return within 24 hours of your child brushing her teeth. This then forms into tartar which no amount of brushing or flossing can fix – only dental cleaning can remove it. Another condition to watch out for is gingivitis, as this can lead to gum tissue invasion, bad breath, inflamed and tender gums and tissue and tooth loss. If your child consumes too many fizzy drinks or sweets, acid erosion may be a problem.
5. Teeth Sensitivity and Discolouration. If your child’s teeth get thinner, they can discolour and become more sensitive. This may affect your child’s wellness, causing discomfort while eating and drinking.