Oral Health Problems In Children

Childhood, being a time filled with exploration, may open up to occasional dental problems — a fall in the park could lead to a broken tooth, while a spot missed as they rush to brush their teeth to play may result in cavities. In fact, some dental problems that people experience in their early years may develop and affect them as adults. To avoid dental problems from escalating as kids grow, understanding common oral health problems among them is crucial in order to prevent the same from developing.

 

Common Dental Problems in Children

 

 

• Tooth Decay

 

 

Tooth decay is among the most common dental conditions in the UAE. In fact, according to studies, 65% of children in the said country have experienced it by the time they reach the age of 15 years.

 

Dental decay is caused by specific kinds of bacteria that thrive in the mouth. When mixed with sugary or starchy food which children like to intake, such as milk, juice, fruit, and bread, these bacterias induce plaque to form — a buildup that causes acids to be in constant contact with the tooth surface, gradually decaying it.

 

However, this is highly preventable by proper brushing techniques and regular visits to the dentist, as the teeth can be properly cleaned while early signs of decay can be addressed and prevented.

 

 

• Gum Disease

 

 

Gum disease is the inflammation of gum tissue. This commonly happens when plaque and tartar deposits build up on the base of the teeth due to poor oral hygiene, gradually making their way into the gums. In its early stages, a child’s gums may become red and swollen, recede from the teeth, and bleed easily. This may also cause bad breath, resulting in a bad taste in the mouth as a child grows without this being addressed.

 

Nevertheless, this may be prevented by daily brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups. For severe cases, however, dental procedures and antibiotics may be advised by the dentist.

 

 

• Disruptions in Oral Development

 

 

Thumb-sucking is one of the most common behaviors among children. It starts early in life, with about 90% of newborns showing some signs of it 2 hours after birth. However, although thumb sucking is not a cause for worry in most cases as it fades away as a kid ages, some retain this habit, causing disruptions in oral development especially when their permanent teeth begin to grow. 

 

Although this can be resolved through invisalign treatment or orthodontic dental braces when children grow older, stemming this habit in order to avoid its adverse effects is healthier and more cost-effective. With this, it is crucial to immediately pay your dentist a visit should your child continue to intensely suck his or her thumb by the time he or she reaches past the age of five years. 

 

Avoid These Problems

 

Having dental problems may be quite difficult for children. Aside from the fact that some of them are not yet capable of practicing good oral hygiene, others may also experience dental anxiety, making regular dental checkups a frightening experience. In order not to keep them from getting the dental care they need, parental guidance and support is crucial.

 

If you are a parent looking to give your child access to optimum dental health service, reach out to the best pediatric dentist in Dubai through Invisalign Center to guide you through.