Did you know that almost half of all eight-year-olds show signs of decay on their teeth?
Since children have such busy and eventful lives, it might come as no surprise to know that most young ones struggle to maintain proper dental hygiene.
This is why it is so important for parents to teach their children about the basics of dental health. But this is not always enough. It is also essential to familiarize yourself with the signs that it’s time to visit a pediatric dentist.
To make things easier for you, we have put together a guide that explains how to know when it is time to seek pediatric dental services. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
1. If Your Child Is in Pain
If your child is experiencing dental pain, don’t hesitate to visit a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Dental issues for kids can worsen over time if left untreated, and a pediatric dentist is specifically trained to address and diagnose these types of issues.
In the meantime, you can help your child by giving them over-the-counter pain medication as directed. You can also offer them comfort and support.
If medication does not help, consider applying a cold compress or a numbing gel. You should also make sure that your child avoids hard or chewy foods.
2. If a Tooth Hurts
Your child’s tooth sensitivity could be caused by tooth decay, a cracked or chipped tooth, or even an infection. These issues can all lead to more serious problems if left untreated.
This includes things like abscesses, tooth loss, and even damage to the surrounding bone and tissue. A pediatric dentist will be able to diagnose the underlying problem and provide the appropriate treatment.
Delaying a visit to the dentist could also cause your child to be in constant pain. This will affect their daily life. A severe case of tooth decay or infection could even lead to hospitalization.
A pediatric dentist is specifically trained to address and diagnose dental sensitivity issues.
3. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease. This is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even damage to the surrounding tissue.
This issue could also cause your child to have an uncomfortable sensation while brushing and flossing. A pediatric dentist will provide the appropriate treatment to keep your child’s gums healthy.
This might include removing the plaque and bacteria by thoroughly cleaning the teeth and gums. This is typically done through a deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing.
4. If They’ve Never Been to the Dentist
You should start bringing your child to the dentist around age 1, or as soon as their first tooth appears. This is a perfect time to establish a dental care routine and to ensure that your child’s oral health is on the right track.
By visiting the dentist early on, your child will learn that going to the dentist is a normal and routine part of taking care of their teeth.
A pediatric dentist will also be able to identify any potential issues early on.
Additionally, this will give your child the chance to get used to the dental environment and the dental team. Therefore, your child will become more comfortable with the process.
To prepare your child for their first dental appointment, you can use positive language. It is also helpful to show them pictures of the dentist, let them know what to expect, and encourage them to play with dental-related toys.
And make sure that your child is aware of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. You can do this by incorporating brushing, flossing, and limiting sugary foods in their daily dental care routine.
5. Stained or Discolored Teeth
If your child’s teeth are stained or discolored, it’s important to schedule a pediatric dental appointment as soon as possible.
Stained or discolored teeth can be caused by excessive consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions.
A pediatric dentist can help your child by identifying the underlying cause of the discoloration and providing the appropriate treatment to improve the color of your child’s teeth.
This could include teeth whitening, bonding, or veneers.
6. Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, might be caused by poor oral hygiene, diet, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions.
These factors could lead to plaque and tartar build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay. All of these factors will contribute to bad breath.
Bad breath could also be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as sinusitis or tonsillitis. A pediatric dentist can examine your child’s oral health and refer them to the appropriate healthcare professional if necessary.
7. Loose Teeth
A pediatric dentist can help your child by identifying the underlying cause of the loose teeth and providing the appropriate treatment to save or preserve the tooth.
Their pediatric dentist might suggest fillings, root canal treatment, or even tooth extraction.
Visit a Pediatric Dentist Today
It is essential to understand the signs that it’s time to visit a pediatric dentist.
Make sure to bring your child for a checkup if they have never gone to the dentist before. And don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if one of their teeth is bothering them.
Is it time for you to bring your young one to the pediatric dentist? If so, Beaumont Kids Dentistry is here to help. Contact us today once you are ready to get started!