Common Dental Issues in Children and How Pediatric Dentists Can Help

The most common dental issue that is prevalent in children is cavities. While this increased frequency of cavities in children is in part to poor oral hygiene habits, with many children not brushing or flossing their teeth as frequently as recommended, there are multiple other factors that make them more susceptible to cavities. Sugar is known for feeding the bacteria that eats away at the plaque on the surface of the teeth, causing damage to the enamel, and children typically ingest more sugar both through sweets and through frequent intake of carbohydrates, which break down into sugars in the mouth. Preventing cavities includes rinsing these sugars out of the mouth after consumption, which is not always possible for children, particularly when they’re at school all day. Mouth breathing will also increase the risk of cavities, which is a fairly common concern among children and may require orthodontic appliances to encourage a closed mouth while sleeping.

One of the biggest benefits of visiting a pediatric dentist with your child is that they are able to be exposed to a medical environment from a young age that is specifically designed for welcoming children and making sure that they are comfortable. Pediatric dentists will make sure that their young patients understand the importance of maintaining good oral health and that it’s an approachable topic for them. It is also very common for people to have anxieties or fears around medical offices, especially the dentist, so a pediatric dentist will be able to help with any anxieties among children by making it a safe and fun environment for them, lowering the risk of anxieties around this kind of situation down the road. There are also specialized oral needs that children have that differ from what adults require, so pediatric dentists will be able to provide more specialized care that is suitable for their young patients.

Preventative care is one of the most important components of all medical fields, including dentistry, so implementing good oral health habits from a very young age will be essential in maintaining good oral health for the rest of the individual’s life. Children’s dental needs are quite different from the needs of adults, so ensuring that your child has access to specialized pediatric dental care will make sure that they are able to receive the quality of treatment and method of treatment that is best suited for them. Also, tooth decay, cavities, and infections can lead to significant pain experienced in children, which can quickly lead to developmental interruptions including increased difficulty concentrating, difficulty eating, sleeping, and speaking, and can cause them to miss school and important activities for social development.

Tooth decay, also commonly referred to as cavities, is incredibly common among children, particularly in children of lower-income families. Over 50% of children aged around 6 to 8 years old have had at least one cavity develop in their baby teeth, and over half of adolescents have had at least one cavity develop in their primary/adult teeth. Many babies will also develop cavities, particularly those who are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice as the sugars will sit in their mouth, particularly around the front teeth throughout the entire night.

As soon as children have had one baby tooth start to appear, they are susceptible to tooth decay, so visiting a pediatric dentist and ensuring that your children’s teeth are properly brushed and flossed as soon as they start to appear is essential in reducing the risk of tooth decay. If left untreated, teeth that have decay will continue to have the enamel eaten away, eventually requiring the tooth to be pulled if it is beyond repair in order to stop the child from experiencing the associated discomfort and pain. If your child requires pediatric dental services, set up an appointment today via our online booking system or give us a call at your earliest convenience. We are conveniently located at 6030 S Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822. We serve patients from Sacramento CA, Lemon Hill CA, Pocket CA, Meadowview CA, Greenhaven CA, Hollywood Park CA, and surrounding areas.