Dental health is very important to overall health, but children are quite susceptible to having oral issues early on. Many dental issues are diet-related, but some are natural and cannot be avoided. Here are a few of the most common dental concerns that parents have about their kids.
Teething
Teething is an issue found in a significant proportion of children while they are growing up. The term refers to the pain and swelling caused by the pushing of the baby teeth through the gums. While some soreness is experienced by the majority of kids, the level of discomfort varies greatly from one individual to the next. The most common symptoms of teething include swelling of the gums, flushing of the cheeks, increase in drooling, greater desire to chew on things, and irritable mood. In worst case scenarios, children may find it difficult to eat solid foods because the pain can become intense. The best way to treat this pain is to buy your child a teething ring to chew on or apply a soothing teething gel.
Cavities/Tooth Decay
Kids love to eat sweet foods. Everything from candy and cake to pastries and sugary drinks are fair game for the young ones. Unfortunately, foods containing high amounts of sugars make teeth much more vulnerable to tooth decay. When children eat sugary foods, sugars coat the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth convert that sugar into acid. That acid can wear down the enamel and tunnel all the way down to the root to destroy the tooth entirely. This not only causes tremendous pain but requires removal of the affected tooth. Limiting sugar intake is the best preventative measure to take. Drinking water after eating sweets and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste are also good ideas.
Acid Erosion
Sweets don’t just cause tooth decay, they can cause erosion as well. Just like how acid rain can erode rooftops, garden sculptures, and large stones, the acid created by bacteria from sugar can wear children’s teeth down to make them duller and more brittle. Unlike a cavity which extends deep into the tooth, acid erosion thins out the outer layer of enamel that covers each tooth. Drinking fruit juice and soft drinks regularly is probably the most common cause of acid erosion in kids, but it can be prevented by diluting sugary drinks, telling the kids not to swish it in their mouths, drinking with a straw, or avoiding sweet beverages altogether.
Visit Your Dentist
To keep your child’s teeth healthy and white, visit a dental professional at least once every six months. Regular check-ups and cleanings will surely benefit dental health.
If you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area, consider Bolivar Family Dental as your family dentist. We have a friendly and professional team which makes a very comfortable atmosphere for patients of all ages. We are also proud to serve the communities of Springfield, Buffalo, Halfway, Pleasant Hope, Stockton, Fair Play, Morrisville, Eldorado Springs and Wheatland. Feel free to call us with any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s dental health. (417) 777-8654 We are here to serve!
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