As a parent, it’s crucial that you encourage your kids into a brilliant dental hygiene routine.

The earlier that you instil this into them, the more likely they are to maintain it throughout their childhood, teen years and into adulthood. Unfortunately, dental problems in children are the norm due to various factors. Here are a few of the most common dental problems in children!

Tooth Discolouration.

This is perhaps more common in children than anyone would realise. Trauma to teeth such as bumps and falls can cause shock to the nerve resulting in discolouration. The change in colour usually occurs 3-4 days after the initial trauma. Depending on the severity of the trauma, it is possible for the tooth to recover its natural colour within a few weeks. If this does happen to your child, monitor the tooth. If it appears to get darker rather than maintaining one colour or gradually lightening, nerve treatment may be required. Only your dentist will be to tell you if treatment is necessary and what can be done to repair the tooth.

Tooth Decay.

In the past decade, the number of children hospitalised due to tooth decay has soared. Poor dental hygiene routines and missing visits to the dentist are the two main reasons why there are dental problems in children. Daily consumption of sugary snacks, fruit juices, fizzy drinks and even some medicines can contribute to tooth decay in children. The acid that comes from plaque in the mouth builds up and attacks the enamel on the tooth, thus causing decay and consequent deconstruction of the tooth.

Sensitivity.

This might seem unusual as sensitive teeth is something that adults usually complain about. The enamel on children’s teeth is 50% thinner than the enamel on adult’s teeth. Therefore it can be worn down a lot easier – cracks may form on the enamel, exposing the nerve. Your child may complain about their tooth sensitivity and while some teeth sensitivity can be treated at home with specialist toothpastes and mouthwashes, some more serious cases should be examined and if necessary, treated by a dentist.

Loose Teeth.

It’s no secret that the tooth fairy starts to make a regular appearance at home when kid’s teeth start to fall out. The adult teeth start to grow and the little milk teeth are pushed out of the mouth, start to wobble around and eventually fall out. Sometimes though, the milk teeth can be stubborn and take an excessive amount of time to fall out. If this is the case and it becoming bothersome to your child, dentists can step in to help.

If your child needs to be registered with a dentist or you’re looking for a dentist that specialises in treating children, we can help you find the perfect one! On our website DefactoDentists.com, you can search for a paediatric dentist in your area. Simply search your location, select ‘Child Friendly’ on the checklist on the left hand side and browse your options. Read reviews from previous patients, read about the team and what treatments are on offer. Finding your perfect dentist has never been so easy!

Author: Leigh McLintock