It’s important to keep an eye on your child’s oral health from the very start! Creating healthy dental habits can pave the path for a lifetime of good oral health that will impact their overall well-being. While parents always have their kid’s best interests at heart, not everyone is aware of the dental problems most likely to plague their kids. Educating yourself on the most common childhood dental problems and how to prevent them can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your child’s smile healthy and happy!

What To Pay Attention To When It Comes To Your Child’s Teeth

Education, oral hygiene, and early intervention are all important aspects of a child having a healthy mouth. Read on for the most common dental problems we see at AOMS Pediatric Dentistry and how they can be prevented. 

Cavities

Taking the crown for the most common childhood dental issue is the cavity. Tooth decay is caused by too much sugar, poor oral hygiene, and bacteria buildup. While cavities are common and easy enough to fix, it’s best to avoid them as much as possible. Cavities can be prevented by:

• Brushing twice daily
• Flossing at least once per day.
• Avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar.
• Scheduling frequent cleanings and dental check-ups.
• Asking for sealants for your child’s teeth. Sealants are a thin coating of white resin that covers the top of molars to protect them from decay.
• Considering fluoride treatments.

Bad Habits

Little ones often make a habit of using a pacifier or sucking their thumb when they are babies. This is a great self-soothing method - as long as it doesn’t go on for too long. When thumb sucking and pacifier use extend past age 3, those habits can start to create dental problems including bite issues, misalignment, and speech problems. Prevent this by:

• Encouraging self-soothing alternatives.
• Use gentle reminders to discourage use.
• Try positive reinforcement like a reward system to break the habit. 
• Schedule an appointment with a professional. The Team at AOMS would be happy to offer our expert advice on how to ditch habits that impact teeth. 

 Sensitivity

Some children have more sensitive teeth than others. When teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, like a cavity or thin enamel. Help prevent sensitivity by:

• Provide your child with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
• Switching to a toothpaste specific for sensitive teeth.
• Avoid food and drinks that are acidic or high in sugar. 

Bruxism

Bruxism - or teeth grinding - is a common problem for many people, including children. It typically happens at night while the child is sleeping and unaware, making it difficult to stop. Excessive teeth grinding can wear down the teeth, plus cause headaches and jaw pain. To help alleviate teeth grinding:

• Make sure bedtime is a calm, relaxing time for your child.
• Talk to your child about stress and anxiety, a common cause of bruxism.
• Let the dentist know! Some people need a custom mouthguard to wear while sleeping to prevent grinding. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease does not discriminate by age! Children can see the impact of gingivitis if proper care isn’t taken with their teeth. Signs of gum disease include gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding. Prevent gum disease by:

• Make sure your child practices good oral hygiene.
• Encourage frequent flossing.
• Avoid foods that are high in sugar and starch.
• Ensure early dental care for your little ones
• Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Prioritize Your Child’s Oral Health at AOMS Pediatric & Children’s Dentistry

Understanding the importance of good oral hygiene and healthy habits can go a long way toward keeping your child’s mouth healthy. Putting these tips into practice to prevent dental issues from emerging can keep your child happier while helping avoid more extensive damage later down the road. 

AOMS Pediatric & Children’s Dentistry is proud to offer a variety of dental services for all children, including routine cleanings and exams, preventative care, and dental treatment as needed. Schedule an appointment with us today to make sure your child grows up with a happy, healthy smile! Have questions? Contact us, and our team is eager to assist you with any details you need.