The idea of taking your children to the dentist can be stressful for many parents, but it’s important to remember that pediatric dentistry specialists are well-versed in taking care of both adult and child patients with no discomfort on the part of the child.
However, if your child has never been to the dentist before or has had only one or two visits, it’s good to be aware of signs that they may need more regular dental care. Read on to discover seven signs that your child might need more dental care.
If your child has cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that children have. The bacteria in their mouths eats away at the tooth’s enamel and causes it to dissolve.
At this point, you can remove the infected section of tooth or fill it with a filling material like silver amalgam or composite resin. If your child has cavities, they should be seen by a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Pain in tooth
If your child is experiencing pain in their teeth, it could be due to one of many causes. The most common reason for tooth pain is decay or an infection.
Other possible reasons for tooth pain include: abscesses, cavities, ulcers, trauma from chewing hard objects and impacted teeth. If your child has these symptoms and any fever or swollen lymph nodes, they should visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Your child has sensitive teeth
If your child is experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold, they may have teeth that are enamel-deficient. It’s important for you and your child to visit their kid’s dentist in Rutherford as soon as possible so that they can find out what type of treatment options are available.
The teeth become loose
Loose teeth are usually caused by an excessive amount of tooth grinding at night. If your child is exhibiting signs of tooth grinding, it’s time for you to take them in for an evaluation. Loose teeth can lead to a number of other dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.
Children who grind or clench
If you notice that your child clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth, especially during sleep, it may be time for them to visit a pediatric dentist. Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to tooth wear and pain in the jaw joints. A pediatric dentist can help your child learn how to avoid these habits with specific exercises and techniques.
White/brown spots on your child’s teeth
If you notice white or brown spots on your child’s teeth, it may be time for them to visit their dentist. These spots are often called baby bottle tooth decay and can lead to tooth loss if not treated soon. If left untreated, these spots will turn into cavities that need filling.
Conclusion
If you notice your child showing even just one of these signs, it’s time to get them checked out by the best kids dentist in Rutherford. If more than one of these signs is present, the problem may be more serious and immediate action may be needed.