Ask a Pediatric Dentist: What’s Damaging Your Child’s Teeth?

Going to a pediatric dentist will help ensure that your growing child’s oral health is going to be in good condition. Also, following proper dental hygiene guidelines is one of the most efficient ways you can do as a parent.

Harmful bacteria can grow in the mouth of children – which can then lead to dental plaque. Thus, this requires our constant attention as parents to keep it under control. However, other habits may be endangering the oral health and teeth of our kids.

In today’s post, let’s take a look at what those habits are and how to address them properly.

If you need more information to help correct your child’s dental issues, please consult with your local pediatric dentist.

Frequent Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is what often leads to constant teeth grinding. This condition, which affects both adults and children – is a result of a dysfunction with the bite that is brought by several different factors. Constant teeth grinding is not good for your child’s teeth.

The enamel on their teeth, is still developing. Grinding the teeth will wear down the protective enamel, which may lead to long-term damage.

Teeth grinding commonly takes place on the chewing surface of the teeth. If left unchecked, they could be affected. This may then lead to more significant oral problems later on in your child’s growth.

Chewing on Things that Are Not Food

If your children are not grinding their teeth, they may have another habit that’s not good for their oral health – chewing on items that they shouldn’t. These things may include pens, pencils, toys, and other things that are not edible.

This habit is bad for your kids’ dental health, which may lead to a pediatric dentist’s treatment. Your child may hide this type of habit because they think it is wrong. That’s why you, as a parent, must be more vigilant.

If you see your child chewing on items that they shouldn’t, explain to them why it’s not good for their oral health. Furthermore, this behavior may be a symptom of crooked teeth or bite imbalance. Share this behavior with your pediatric dentist so it can be appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Eating Foods That Are Not Good for the Oral Health

Certain food items are not suitable for a growing child’s oral health. When your child consumes these types of food, it may lead to more harmful effects than you know. For instance, foods with higher sugar content such as candies, cookies, and chocolates are commonly known to have adverse effects on kids’ teeth.

Other food items may not be the best for their developing oral health – bread being one good example. Certain carbohydrates can promote harmful bacterial growth in your child’s mouth.

Ask your pediatric dentist for recommendations on foods that are good for your kid’s oral health. Sticking to a healthy diet and following proper dental hygiene will help ensure that your child will grow to have healthy teeth and gums.

Common Dental Problems Treated by a Pediatric Dentist

Tooth Decay

Most young children are still developing their oral habits. Thus, it’s relatively common for some of them to develop tooth decay. Parents must be patient in supervising the proper dental practices of their children.

Tooth Sensitivity

A multitude of factors can cause tooth sensitivity among kids. It can be distracting and uncomfortable for your child. The treatment will depend on what’s causing tooth sensitivity, so it’s best to consult with your pediatric dentist.

Dental Emergencies

Kids are naturally active. This may result in dental emergencies such as teeth breaking. When this happens, call your emergency dentist immediately.

Excessive Thumb Sucking

When infants and toddlers resort to excessive thumb sucking, it may be because of an underlying psychological or behavioral issue. When your child is sucking their thumbs, it may lead to severe bite and chew problems.

Dental Phobia

If adults can develop a dental phobia, it can also happen among children. A pediatric dentist is trained to properly handle and treat dental anxiety among kids. Whether it’s sedation dentistry or another type of treatment, ask your pediatric dentist for the best course of treatment for your child.