The Most Common Childhood Dental Issues

When considering your child’s oral health, it’s important to be aware of certain risks they may face as their jaw grows and they begin to lose their baby teeth. Children’s orthodontics specializes in helping young patients get a head start to excellent oral health. By understanding the most common conditions in pediatric dentistry, parents can take the proper steps to protect their little ones’ smiles.

What Are the Most Common Dental Issues in Children?

There are several common problems that children face with their oral health. While some occur naturally, others can be prevented with routine care. Early intervention can also prevent minor problems from causing greater issues later.

Caries (Cavities)

Tooth decay is more likely to affect children because the protective outer layer of their teeth is softer. This means that sugary drinks, high-sugar foods, and even too much bread can increase the risk of cavities forming.

Parents should consider their children’s diets and prioritize daily brushing. Help your children form good habits early to avoid unnecessary decay and fillings.

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity can affect children for a variety of reasons, including:

• Tooth grinding (bruxism)
• Newly erupted teeth
• Cavities
• Enamel erosion

A pediatric dentist can help recommend treatments to strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent unnecessary discomfort. They may also suggest seeing an orthodontist to address jaw or tooth alignment issues.

Malocclusions

Malocclusions are misaligned teeth. Many children develop underbites, overbites, and crossbites as their teeth erupt. This can be mild to severe, but early intervention is always ideal. Seeing an orthodontist can help your child receive care that ultimately takes less time to deliver beautiful results. Also, early treatment can prevent many oral health issues that misalignment, crowding, and crooked teeth can cause.

Thumb-sucking

While many children suck their thumbs to self-soothe, it can have adverse effects on their oral health. Most notably, thumb-sucking contributes to an improper bite, which can require braces or Invisalign® to correct later.

Once children’s teeth come in, it’s important to start deterring your child from sucking their thumb.

Schedule a Visit With Dr. Bryan Johnson

Dr. Johnson loves helping his patients get the perfect solution for their orthodontic needs. With over 25 years of experience, you can feel confident choosing him to care for your child’s oral health.

To schedule an appointment in Stayton, Salem, Silverton, or Woodburn, OR, please contact us online or call 503-362-9548 to schedule a consultation.