Common Pediatric Dental Issues and How to Address Them

As a parent, ensuring your child's dental health is a priority. At Dr Berera's dental practice in Leichhardt, we understand the unique challenges that come with paediatric dental care. Early intervention and education are key to preventing and managing common dental issues in children. Here, we’ll explore some of the most prevalent paediatric dental problems and provide guidance on how to address them effectively.

1. Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Causes and Symptoms: Tooth decay, or cavities, is one of the most common dental issues among children. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from food and drinks into acids, which then erode the enamel. Symptoms include visible holes in the teeth, toothache, and sensitivity to sweets or cold beverages.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Brushing and Flossing: Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flosses daily to remove plaque.

• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Encourage consumption of water, fruits, and vegetables.

• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule bi-annual dental check-ups for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments.

• Sealants: Dental sealants can be applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to protect them from decay.

2. Thumb Sucking and Dummy Use

Causes and Symptoms: Thumb sucking and dummy use are natural soothing behaviours for infants. However, prolonged habits can lead to misalignment of teeth and bite issues, such as overbite or open bite.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for not sucking their thumb or using a dummy.

• Distraction Techniques: Offer other forms of comfort, like a favourite toy or blanket.

• Orthodontic Intervention: If the habit persists beyond age four and affects dental development, consult with a paediatric dentist for potential orthodontic solutions.

3. Tooth Eruption Issues

Causes and Symptoms: Delayed or abnormal tooth eruption can cause misalignment and crowding. Symptoms include missing teeth where they should have appeared, crooked teeth, or discomfort as new teeth come in.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Regular Monitoring: Regular dental visits allow the dentist to monitor your child’s tooth development and identify any issues early.

• Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer can be used to hold the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.

• Orthodontic Evaluation: In cases of significant misalignment or crowding, an orthodontic evaluation may be necessary to determine the best course of action.

4. Early Childhood Caries (ECC)

Causes and Symptoms: ECC, also known as baby bottle tooth decay, occurs due to prolonged exposure to sugary drinks, especially when a child sleeps with a bottle. Symptoms include white spots on the teeth, early development of cavities, and tooth pain.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Avoid Bedtime Bottles: Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or any sugary drink. Water is the best option.

• Oral Hygiene: Clean your baby's gums with a soft cloth after feedings and begin brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears.

• Regular Dental Visits: Start dental visits by your child's first birthday to establish a dental home and receive guidance on preventing ECC.

5. Dental Injuries

Causes and Symptoms: Active children are prone to dental injuries from falls, sports, or accidents. Symptoms of dental injuries include chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Mouthguards: Use mouthguards during sports activities to protect your child's teeth from injury.

• Immediate Attention: In case of a dental injury, seek immediate dental attention. Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and try to save any broken pieces of the tooth.

• Follow-Up Care: After an injury, follow your dentist's recommendations for follow-up care to ensure proper healing and function.

Conclusion

Paediatric dental care requires vigilance and proactive measures to prevent and address common dental issues. At Dr Berera's practice in Leichhardt, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of children. By fostering good oral hygiene habits and seeking regular dental check-ups, you can help ensure your child's smile remains healthy and bright for years to come. Schedule an appointment today to start your child's journey to optimal dental health.