Many children do not flush or floss properly or eat too much sugar and are more prone to dental problems. Do not ignore dental problems in kids as unaddressed issues can cause severe pain, infection, tooth loss, or even affect the growth of permanent teeth.

If your child is suffering from a dental problem, consult a dentist specializing in child dental care, Oakville as soon as possible. Before you call the best dental clinic near Oakville to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist, familiarize yourself with common dental problems in children. Here are a few of them.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay in kids is usually caused by poor oral hygiene or sugary snacks. Decay occurs when the bacteria in your child’s mouth produce acids that attack the enamel, eating it away. This leads to cavities, which are holes in teeth caused by tooth decay. Encourage good habits in your children. Make sure they brush and floss their teeth twice a day (supervise if required).

Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity in kids can be caused by cavities, newly erupted permanent teeth, teeth grinding/bruxism, enamel wear, and a cracked or missing filling. A common sign of tooth sensitivity is a sharp pain in a tooth or two or more teeth when exposed to certain stimuli (typical examples include cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks).

Early Childhood Caries
Baby Bottle tooth decay can occur when a child goes to bed frequently with a bottle filled with milk, juice or any other sugary drinks. When your child consumes milk or any other sugary drink, the bacteria in their mouth produce acids that can damage their teeth. Early childhood caries usually occur on the front teeth or incisors. To reduce your child’s risk of early childhood caries, wipe their gums clean with a damp washcloth after feeding them.

Gum Disease
In adults as well as children, gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is caused by plaque and bacteria build up on teeth. Some common signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums and slight bleeding during brushing or flossing. If left unaddressed, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Regular brushing and flossing can reduce a child’s risk of gum disease.

Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur anytime. Children can fall while riding a bike or playing sports. Accidents can result in chipped, broken or cracked teeth. If your child breaks a tooth, consult a pediatric dentist immediately.

Excessive Thumb Sucking
Many children suck on their thumbs as a means to calm their anxiety. Thumb sucking is common among infants, and is usually not a problem until a child’s permanent teeth appear and they continue to suck on their thumb. Prolonged thumb sucking can affect the root of the mouth or the way teeth line up.

In many children, chronic thumb sucking can cause an open bite, which results in a gap that forms when the mouth is closed. An open bite can make it hard to chew and bite food and in some cases, can lead to speech problems.

Dental Erosion
Acids found in certain foods and beverages can attack your child’s enamel, dissolving some of the enamel surface of their teeth. If your child has gastroesophageal reflux, a condition in which the contents of the stomach (including stomach acids) leak backward into the esophagus or food pipe, they are at high risk of dental erosion.

Tooth Impaction
An impacted tooth cannot break through the gum. Usually, an impacted tooth does not cause any pain or discomfort. That said, it shouldn’t be ignored as impacted teeth can lead to other dental problems. Usually, wisdom teeth become impacted.

Grinding
Many children clench or grind their teeth due to discomfort caused by emerging primary teeth. Though most children stop grinding their teeth once their teeth develop, some can’t break the habit. Excessive grinding can lead to tooth decay.

White Lily Dental Centre is a leading dental clinic in Oakville. Our dentists have years of experience in performing complex dental procedures. To learn more, call (905) 847-8474.

If you’re searching for an Oakville dentist for teeth whitening, dental implants, root canal treatment or Invisalign treatment for a family member, we invite you to visit White Lily Dental located at 3075 Hospital Gate, Unit 209A, Oakville, ON L6M 1M1. You can also easily book your appointment today.