Most Common Oral Health Problems in Growing Children
- by Milena Marguenski
- •
- 15 Jul, 2022
- •
If you thought that oral health problems are only for adults, then think again. The first teeth start appearing by 4 to 5 months of age. Then by the age of 3, kids have a full set of teeth. This is the time when parents have to be extremely careful about oral hygiene.
By the age of 6-7, the primary teeth start to fall out to make space for the permanent teeth. These permanent teeth are the ones that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. However, there are certain oral problems such as tooth decay, lip sucking, and early teeth loss.
Let’s take a look at these common oral health problems.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
This is a tooth decay condition found in babies when their teeth come in constant contact with sugars from fruit juices, milk, sugar water, and other sweet drinks. These lead to the formation of bacteria in their mouth which can cause tooth decay.
The baby teeth help in guided development of permanent teeth. However, tooth decay or other problems can affect the growth of permanent teeth, resulting in crowded growth or crooked teeth. It is necessary to ensure that the amount of sugar you give to a baby is limited to let proper teeth grow.
Thumb Sucking
It is normal for a baby to suck on their thumb, finger, or pacifiers. It helps them get a sense of comfort and emotional security. But it can be a problem if the habit persists beyond the age of 5. The intensity and duration of thumb sucking can force the teeth out of alignment causing dental problems.
Continuous sucking can lead to overbite which in future can affect their speech and pronunciation of certain words. Along with this, the upper and lower jaw can lose their alignment.
Tongue Thrusting and Lip Sucking
Tongue thrusting exerts pressure on the front teeth, applying pressure on them thus pushing them outward and out of alignment. This is another way in which a child can misalign their jaw and cause overbite. It can affect their speech. You will need to consult a pathologist to cure this.
Lip Sucking is another problematic habit that a child can develop on their own. The continuous sucking of the lower lip can affect the teeth causing an overbite. The best way to deal with this is to consult a pediatrician and let them guide you properly to prepare a plan.
Early Tooth Loss
In some cases, a child can lose their early teeth due to injury, crowding, or tooth decay. If the early teeth are lost, the permanent teeth might shift from their place. These misaligned teeth can cause problems from causing trouble in chewing to joint problems.
In case your child is losing teeth early, you might want to get them checked by a dentist. Your dentist might suggest a space maintainer which helps in leaving space for the permanent teeth open. Your child’s pediatrician might suggest some diet changes to prevent the loss.
Grinding
Conclusion
Brooklyn residents often wonder whether their tap water is helping or harming their dental health. One key factor in this debate is
fluoride
, a naturally occurring mineral added to public water supplies to prevent cavities. But does Brooklyn tap water really protect your teeth from decay? In this blog,
we’ll
uncover the truth about fluoride levels in NYC’s water and whether it plays a significant role in cavity prevention.
Sudden gum swelling is a dental condition that requires immediate attention, even if there is no pain. Gum health is often overlooked, but it is essential for overall oral well- being. Swollen gums may seem harmless at first, but they often indicate underlying issues that can worsen if left untreated.
Many people think of dental emergencies as situations with severe pain, but it's important to understand that discomfort isn't always a reliable sign of serious problems. Just because there is no pain doesn't mean there is no risk. Sudden gum swelling should be treated as an emergency , emphasizing the need for prompt professional evaluation.
Ignoring swollen gums can lead to more severe complications, affecting both oral health and general wellness. By understanding the seriousness of this condition and
seeking timely intervention, you can prevent further damage and ensure that your gums—and teeth—stay healthy and strong.
A skilled dental team can properly assess and treat any swelling. Prioritize your gum health by taking action when you notice unusual changes, protecting your smile for the future.
It's important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing your teeth regularly , can help prevent conditions like gum swelling. Additionally, if you're interested in improving your smile beyond just addressing gum issues, there are various options available in cosmetic dentistry that you should know about. Finally, if you're looking for ways to achieve a brighter smile, there are effective methods on how to get whiter and brighter teeth at home that you might find helpful.
With the procedures’ popularity, several pharmaceutical companies launched their over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. This made the procedure more accessible and cheaper as compared to a professional session.
But which one is better? Let’s understand both the procedures first.
However, if the damage is left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage. According to the CDC , about 42.7% people by the age of 30 years face some sort of periodontal disease. These diseases increase with age.
Let’s take a further look into the type of disease and how they can be treated.
