6 Common Dental Problems in Children & How To Deal With Them

As parents, we want to fill our kids’ childhood with sweet memories. However, if we don’t manage their oral health, they may have common dental problems in children. Here, we will look at each and offer practical solutions for mamas like you.

Although your kids’ permanent teeth will not appear until sooner, you still need to take care of their baby teeth. This will set important habits they will carry for the rest of their lives. On top of that, this will also help you prevent some common dental problems in children.

If left unchecked, these issues will persist and become a bigger problem when they become adults. That is why we are starting early. Here are some of the issues you need to keep an eye on:

Dental Problem #1: Cavities

Cavities are also known as tooth decay. This is one of the most common dental problems mamas and children face.

If left untreated, this can lead to pain and infection. Once that happens, your kid may experience eating, speaking, playing, and learning issues.

There are even studies that show that kids who suffer from tooth decay miss more school days and suffer from low grades.

How to Deal with It:

Lucky for us, cavities are preventable. All it takes is good brushing habits with the right toothbrush and toothpaste. It would be best to opt for specifically designed and formulated for kids.

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One such option is the Mama’s Choice Baby & Kids Toothpaste, which has the double protection agent, Xylitol and Hydroxyapatite, to help prevent cavities and remineralise teeth. This baby toothpaste arrives in delicious strawberry and bubble gum flavours and contains organic calendula that prevents gum irritation.

Later on, you may also visit the dentist to get dental sealants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these are known to prevent 80% of cavities on the back of the teeth.

Dental Problem #2: Tooth Sensitivities

Kids sometimes feel discomfort when ingesting cold or hot drinks, food, and air. This may be a sign that they are developing sensitive teeth.

Due to their thinner enamel, kids are also prone to tooth sensitivities. This makes it more susceptible to wearing down due to plaque. When the enamel wears down, the tooth can suffer from cracks which cause discomfort.

How to Deal with It:

A quick trip to the dentist can solve this issue. Dental sealants can be used to fill in any cracks.

However, the best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to use a soft toothbrush that is gentle to the enamel of the teeth.

Dental Problem #3: Bad Breath

It’s also common for kids to have bad breath. This can range from normal morning breath or chronic halitosis.

A study shows that 37.6% of children can suffer from breath. So while it may be tempting to give them breath strips and mints, this will only mask the issue and worsen the root cause.

How to Deal with It:

Unfortunately, dealing with bad breath can be tricky. There are usually underlying problems such as oral hygiene, cavities, and gingivitis which cause the foul smell.

The first line of defence will always be a proper oral care routine. This involves brushing and flossing regularly.

You may want to check your kids’ diet if this doesn’t work. You may also contact your pediatric dentist in case the issue persists.

Dental Problem #4: Gum Disease

Gum disease is also called gingivitis. When dirt and bacteria reach the gums, these can cause them to become inflamed and infected. As a result, you will notice that the gums will turn swollen and red. Once this happens, your kids will experience discomfort and pain, especially when eating.

If left unchecked, this may cause the gum line to recede. Later on, you may notice bleeding from their gums.

How to Deal with It:

Brushing correctly is still the key. Take a soft toothbrush and ensure you are regularly cleaning the teeth and gum line.

In more advanced cases of gingivitis, a dental visit is required to get deep cleaning services.

Dental Problem #5: Early Tooth Loss

Losing the first tooth may be exciting, especially if you want to give your kid an encounter with the tooth fairy. But there is such a thing as losing teeth too early.

Usually, the front teeth will loosen around the age of 6. On the other hand, you can expect the loss of molars between the age of 10 and 12.

If you notice that your kid is losing teeth prematurely, you might be dealing with tooth decay, injury, or lack of jaw space.

Losing the baby teeth when the permanent ones are not yet ready may cause tipping and shifting. This will cause misalignment or issues with your kid’s bite and jaw.

How to Deal with It:

You may visit the dentist and ask if you can get a space maintainer. This plastic or metal device will serve as a placeholder for the missing tooth.

Once the new tooth emerges, you must revisit the dentist to remove the space maintainer.

Dental Problem #6: Dental Anxiety

Visiting the dentist is not exactly the most comfortable thing ever. This is true even for us adults. So, it’s understandable why kids can also feel uneasy during dental appointments.

This can make regular dental checkups and cleaning difficult for them for the rest of their lives. As we all know, this will lead to more severe dental issues later on.

How to Deal with It:

Instilling the importance of paying attention to their oral health early is critical. You may start by setting an example by regularly doing your oral routine with your kids.

Another solution is to find a pediatric dentist that is accommodating and friendly. Once you find one where they are at ease, don’t bring them anywhere if possible.

Brush Away Your Worries Today

Whatever common dental problems in children you may face, one thing is for sure: you need the right toothbrush and toothpaste.

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Mama’s Choice Baby & Kids Toothpaste is specially formulated to reduce plaque, prevent bacterial growth, prevent gum irritation, and keep teeth strong and healthy! Suitable for babies six months+ and kids three years+, this baby-friendly toothpaste also contains just the right amount of fluoride.

Even better, our toothpaste has been tested in some of the leading laboratories in Singapore, so Mamas are assured that it’s safe for their little ones.

Aside from that, this is also an excellent product for mamas on the hunt for sustainable products. This toothpaste contains Ecocert Certified Organic Calendula. This means you can be guaranteed that we use the best environmental-friendly and socially-conscious practices.

Meanwhile, Mama’s Choice My First Toothbrush is an excellent start in keeping your babies’ teeth clean, fresh, and healthy. You may start using this at the age of 12 months. This is effective and safe for kids until you are ready to shift them to adult toothbrushes.

It has soft bristles that will be gentle on your baby’s mouth but tough on germs and bacteria. This also comes with a safety shield to prevent it from sliding to the back of their mouth.

Another thing to love about this is that mamas who are organized can make the most out of the suction cup at the bottom of the brush. This can serve as a stand to keep the brush upright and never out of place.

Finding the right toothbrush and toothpaste will set your baby up for success in terms of their general oral health. So, if you want to try it, click the banner below and start shopping!