Children smile, giggle and laugh easily. Their innocence and sense of wonder make every little thing they see and experience more amusing and exciting. To cherish their happiness and their beautiful smiles for a long time, parents must do everything they can to ensure a healthy environment where they can grow and encourage them to develop good habits and routines.
One such habit that parents should teach their children is good dental routines. Simple, everyday steps such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth with water after every meal helps prevent dental issues to an extent. To ensure complete care of their teeth, parents must start taking their children to dental appointments regularly starting from the age of one or as soon as their first teeth pop in.
These routines act as preventive measures that keep away dental issues in young children. Even so, many children develop minor oral issues such as cavities or gingivitis right from their early childhood. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common dental issues seen in children and treatments recommended by our pediatric dentist in Dubai.
Decoding dental issues in young children
Pediatric dentists have seen it all- from simple teething difficulties to tooth loss and everything in between. So it’s safe to say that your children, their smiles, and their dental woes are secure in the hands of their pediatric dentist in Dubai.
Children may face different dental issues throughout their childhood. Here are some of the most common ones seen according to one of the best kid’s dentists in Dubai-
- Teething
Teething is a natural part of a child’s physical development. Teething refers to the process of the tooth breaking through the gum line in babies. While the timing of the tooth eruption varies from child to child, most children may show signs of teething around the age of 6 months.
When babies are teething, a lot of them find it very uncomfortable. Biting on toys, teethers or other hard surfaces is one of the common ways in which babies try to relieve the pain. This is often accompanied by other symptoms including increased drooling, changes in their sleeping and eating patterns, and increased incidences of illness.
To help the little ones bare with the discomfort due to teething, pediatric dentists recommend tips such as massaging their gums, using chilled teethers, offering teething biscuits (to babies above the age of 6 months) and pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen as recommended by their dentist.
- Gingivitis
Gingivitis or gum disease can occur in babies due to various reasons. Babies develop gingivitis due to improper oral hygiene or from parents through shared food or utensils. If your baby has gingivitis, the gums may appear red, and swollen and may show bleeding at times. Leaving gingivitis untreated can also lead to tooth decay in time.
The best step you can take to keep gingivitis away is to maintain your little one’s oral hygiene. Additionally, you must take care not to let your little one use your utensils, especially if you have gum diseases.
- Tartar
Tartar is hardened plaque buildup, making it far more difficult to remove than plaque. Children develop tartar when milk and food particles are left on their teeth, which serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. Tarter eventually leads to cavities.
The best way to combat tartar is to take your child to regular dental appointments. Your kid’s dentist will expertly remove the tartar and keep their tooth clean, reducing the chances of developing cavities.
- Cavities
Cavities are small holes that form on the top of your child’s teeth. This is often seen as a chalky layer on top of their teeth. Cavities are caused by plaque bacteria , which releases acids that wear down the enamel. If your child has developed cavities, chances are that they will complain of tooth sensitivity or tooth pain and require immediate medical attention.
Pediatric dentists use tooth-coloured fillings to quickly patch up cavities. Also your dentist will take Xrays to check for and detect cavities in hidden areas that are hard to see by the naked eye. Sealants can be a means to l protect the teeth from cavitations if they are still small or starting.
Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your child’s natural tooth enamel.
- Dental decay
When minor cavities are left untreated, the decay progresses quickly. Sore teeth with visible holes and toothaches are some of the common symptoms of tooth decay.
If you are regular on your child’s appointments, along with following a good dental care routine, the chances of your child developing tooth decay are very less. On the other hand, if you have overlooked a few cavities here and there and have skipped the appointments with your kid’s dentist until your child complains about toothache, it’s time to take immediate action.
Crowns are a type of tooth-shaped cap that can be placed on a decayed tooth to protect it from further decay and retain it. Your child’s pediatric dentist will recommend getting crowns in case there is significant tooth decay.
In case of severe tooth decay, your kid’s dentist may have to remove the affected tooth altogether. In this case, a space maintainer is inserted as a placeholder, which helps retain the alignment of your child’s teeth until the permanent teeth come in.
What next?
Visiting your kid’s dentist on regular appointments will help build trust and a good relationship between the expert and your little one, making the check ups easier as time goes by. To book your next appointment with Dr. Yasmin, one of the best pediatric dentists in Dubai, visit the website today.