There are a lot of things that go into promoting good oral health for children. Beyond simply brushing and flossing, diet and food choice can significantly impact. Click here to know more about what pediatric dentists can do for you.

One of the most common pediatric dental problems is tooth decay. It occurs when bacteria eat away at the enamel of teeth, causing pain and sensitivity.

Tooth Decay

The most prevalent and dangerous dental condition affecting kids is tooth decay. It might result in various health problems in addition to harming your teeth.

The leading cause of tooth decay is bacteria that convert sugars into acids and erode the outer part of your teeth, forming cavities or holes in them. Early-stage tooth decay can be cured by brushing your teeth regularly and eating a low-sugar diet.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Infants and toddlers, often put to sleep with a bottle or given juice for long periods, risk developing cavities in their front teeth. This is called baby bottle tooth decay, and it’s caused by the sugars from these bottles being absorbed by your child’s teeth for hours at a time.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity to hot or cold foods, cold air, brushing, and other factors can be a significant pain for kids. This discomfort can be caused by several factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even teeth grinding (bruxism).

Most children experience sensitive teeth after losing baby teeth and growing permanently. This is because the permanent teeth break through the gums and make contact with extreme temperatures or air that flows around them.

A local pediatric dentist can treat this sensitivity in the office by desensitizing toothpaste or a fluoride gel. They may also prescribe a mouthwash to help strengthen the enamel and protect the teeth.

The most common sensitivity symptoms include sudden, sharp pain when exposed to air, hot or cold foods, and cold drinks. In severe cases, this symptom can be a sign of a cavity, so it’s important to schedule regular dental visits for treatment.

Canker Sores

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small, shallow spots that appear inside the mouth and cheeks. They’re usually white or yellowish with a red border and may grow to a size of about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

Although they may happen to anybody, kids and teenagers are more likely to experience them. Furthermore, they may run in families.

They can cause pain and make eating and talking uncomfortable. They often go away independently, but some people get recurrent canker sores. These are sometimes linked to stress. Your doctor or dentist can diagnose them based on a physical exam and medical history. They might want to test your blood for vitamin deficiency or other conditions that could be causing the sores.

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is an expected behavior that infants and young children use to comfort themselves. It doesn’t cause problems with a child’s teeth and gums unless it continues after age 5.

Most kids stop thumb-sucking naturally by around 6 or 7 months. But some children may relapse into the habit during stress or anxiety.

It’s essential to understand what causes your child’s stress and try to change it. This can involve giving them extra attention, hugs, kindnesses and words of affirmation.

Prolonged or intense thumb sucking can derail normal oral development and affect the roof of the mouth (palate) or how the teeth line up. This can cause the teeth to be pushed out of alignment, creating bite or speech problems.

Bad Breath

Halitosis, often known as bad breath, is among children’s most prevalent dental issues. It may indicate a more serious health problem and humiliate your youngster.

A common cause of bad breath is a buildup of bacteria on the tongue and in the mouth. This can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing two to three times a day.

Besides food, certain medications, alcohol, tobacco products and diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure or liver problems can also cause foul-smelling breath.

Kids must avoid foods that cause a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, cheese, pastrami, orange juice, or soda. It’s also helpful to encourage a healthy diet, including raw fruits and vegetables that help remove odorous plaque.