With their busy, exciting, and always on-the-go little lives, it is unsurprising that children are not the best at maintaining good dental hygiene. Parents can find that their toddler or pre-schooler struggles to brush their teeth regularly, not to mention enjoy visiting pediatric dentists for a check-up.
But one thing is for sure: if your child has developed a tooth problem, early intervention is key to long-term health. So, make sure you keep a close eye on your little one’s pearly whites every day.
If you spot something that doesn’t look quite right, then the best thing to do is to call your dentist and schedule an appointment. And if you’re not quite sure how to tell whether your kid is experiencing any oral problems, just read on: we’ll reveal the 7 most telling signs of tooth issues in children.
1. Your Little One Is in Pain
Few things can be as painful as toothache. If your child has started to complain about experiencing pain in their teeth, then that might be a first sign that things are not as they should be.
By talking to them, try to understand whether it’s just a minor discomfort or full-blown pain. Ask them if it gets worse when they eat, or if it’s a constant feeling that lasts throughout the day.
Generally, very intense tooth pain can be a symptom of tooth decay or a broken or chipped tooth. Try to remember whether your child has had a fall recently and hurt their mouth. And are they keeping on top of their oral hygiene? Whatever the cause for their pain, visiting the right pediatric dentist in Colleyville is paramount.
2. Your Little One’s Teeth Feel Sensitive
Whether continuous and severe pain needs to be addressed quickly, tooth sensitivity is also an important alarm bell. If your child has been complaining about odd, uncomfortable feelings when eating or drinking, then this might be the initial sign of a cavity.
As adults, we sometimes experience tooth sensitivity. A rather common ailment that interests most of us from time to time, it often goes away by using the right toothpaste. Kids, on the other hand, should see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible, even in the case of mild sensitivity, in order to pinpoint the issue and prevent a more serious problem from occurring.
3. Your Kid’s Gums Are Bleeding
You can’t “see” toothache or tooth sensitivity, but the sight of blood in your little one’s mouth can make you panic. Swollen, irritated, and bleeding gums are a worrying sign that something might be wrong with your child’s teeth.
These often indicate that an infection is occurring, and your child needs to be seen by a Colleyville pediatric dentist as a matter of urgency. Gingivitis, for example, is not just an adult problem: it can interest little ones, too. Get on the phone with your dentist, explain the situation, and book your child in for a visit.
4. Your Kid Hasn’t Been to the Dentist Yet
Just because your child is not complaining about any tooth problems, or isn’t showing any discomfort at all, it doesn’t mean that they should avoid seeing a pediatric dentist.
The American Dental Association recommends that parents book their kid in for a check-up as soon as they turn one. In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists states that kids should see a pediatric orthodontist from the age of seven.
So, if your toddler’s pearly whites seem in good shape but you haven’t scheduled their first dental visit yet, then go ahead and call your Colleyville pediatric dental office today.
5. Your Little One’s Teeth Are Stained or Discolored
Another telling sign that your little one might need to see a dentist sooner rather than later is if you notice that their teeth seem stained or discolored.
Children’s “milk teeth” should remain white, and any sign of color changing can be associated with tooth problems, such as cavities. Anything from small white spots on their teeth, to teeth turning gray, brown, or even black, needs the urgent assessment of a pediatric dentist.
6. Your Child’s Teeth Become Loose
Of course, wiggly baby teeth are not an issue at all: it’s normal for kids to lose their baby teeth in order for them to be replaced with permanent, adult teeth. The problem, though, appears when a child with adult teeth (generally, around 12 years old) is experiencing loose teeth.
In this case, seeing a pediatric dentist is essential. Loose adult teeth can be an indication of a few different conditions, so having a professional look at them as soon as possible can help to address and fix the issue quickly.
7. Your Kid Has Bad Breath
Again, while this can sometimes be a pretty common occurrence in adults, it shouldn’t be the same for children. Caffeinated drinks and rich foods can be a cause of bad breath in adults, but as children normally follow much simpler diets, bad breath is not considered normal.
If you notice that your child’s breath has changed and become worse, then this might be concerning. Your best bet is to speak to a pediatric dentist and try to determine the cause of this problem, and the best way to fix it.
Pediatric Dentists: The Best Choice for Your Kid’s Dental Health
Whatever dental health issue your child might be experiencing, it is crucial that they visit pediatric dentists regularly throughout their childhood.
At Colleyville Children’s Dentistry, we offer a wide range of kid-focused dental services and treatments. Why not drop us a line today and find out how we can help?
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