It is not uncommon for kids to have dental problems. Thankfully, we at West Plano Dental can be your go-to service for any dental problems your kids may have. We have extensive experience in pediatric dentistry in Plano, Texas, and are here to help keep your children’s teeth healthy. In this article, we will share some of the most common dental problems in kids and how you can prevent them before they get worse.
Cavities
Cavities, or tooth decay, are pediatric dentistry’s most common chronic issue. While that may not be surprising, it still leads to major problems if left unaddressed. Untreated cavities can be painful, making it hard to chew food or even speak. Over time, it may lead to serious infections or, worse, early tooth loss.
To prevent that, children should learn to brush and floss their teeth regularly and correctly. Building this habit at an early age should help save the children’s teeth from potential infection buildup and tooth loss. Limiting the kids’ intake of sweets, sodas, and juices also generally lowers the teeth’s exposure to sugars and helps prevent cavities from forming. Lastly, visiting a qualified pediatric dentist regularly, like one of our highly skilled dentists from West Plano Dental, helps spot early signs of dental problems. Count on us to prevent your cavities from worsening through timely detection and intervention.
Overbite Due To Thumb-Sucking
Children tend to suck their thumbs, which is generally considered normal. However, dental problems may arise when this habit continues until permanent teeth start to form. Frequent thumb-sucking may cause their upper teeth to protrude slightly, which is a dental issue called an overbite.
While thumb-sucking may be a common behavior in children, it is crucial to discourage and address this habit early on to prevent dental complications. Our pediatric dentists at West Plano Dental can give recommendations to help children stop their thumb-sucking habit.
Early Tooth Loss
Normally, children lose their baby teeth around the age of six (6). However, there are instances where they fall out earlier due to tooth decay or an accident. If this happens, the permanent teeth may emerge in an empty gum space without the baby teeth to guide them for proper placement. This can lead to misaligned or crooked teeth.
By visiting the dentist regularly and practicing proper dental hygiene, children can prevent dental problems that lead to early tooth loss. It is also important for children playing sports to wear mouthguards to protect them from early tooth loss caused by accidents or injuries.
These are just some of the most common dental problems in children, and fortunately, all of them are preventable. At West Plano Dental, our dentists help prevent these problems and ensure that your children’s overall dental health is well taken care of. We offer different services when it comes to pediatric dentistry in Plano, from dental exams to tooth extractions, tooth alignment, dental fillings, and dental emergencies, to name a few. Contact us today to book an appointment.
