COMMON PROBLEMS

Treating & Preventing Common Problems From Occurring Again

Common problems

Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Chattanooga Common problems

Help for you and your child

Common problems your child may experience

Your child’s oral health and dental hygiene can be impacted by a series of common problems, many of which can be prevented by practicing proper dental hygiene habits at home and keeping up with regularly scheduled visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. When these common problems do occur, Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Chattanooga can work with you and your child to treat these problems and prevent them from occurring again in the future.

Tooth Decay

When your child’s teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your child’s teeth. These deposits, when left alone, bond with the bacteria that normally survive in the mouth, forming plaque. All together, deposits and plaque form acids that can damage the mineral structure of your child’s teeth, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.

The plaque buildup that precedes tooth decay can also cause many other common problems and dental conditions such as sensitive teeth, gum disease and halitosis, which is why it is important to catch the signs of tooth decay early. Tooth decay can be prevented by practicing regular dental hygiene habits at home and making sure to take your child to the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to detect and treat early signs of tooth decay. When cavities do form, your child’s dentist will also be able to treat the issue through fillings, extractions or other treatments based on your child’s case and their dentist’s recommendation.

Sensitive Teeth

When your child experiences sensitive teeth, it’s because their teeth are expanding and contracting in reaction to changes in temperature. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, causing gums to recede or teeth to develop microscopic cracks that expose the interior of the tooth. This irritates the nerve endings within the teeth and makes them more sensitive to shifts in temperature.

If your child is expressing pain when consuming particularly hot or cold food and beverages, they may have sensitive teeth. Some children’s teeth may only react to extreme temperatures such as ice cream or a steaming bowl of soup, but those with extreme sensitivity in their teeth may react to a cup of water or even the slight change in temperature from breathing in cold air.

If this sounds like your child, don’t worry! Our team may recommend at-home dental hygiene products made especially for those with sensitive teeth. At your child’s regular dental appointments, we will also discuss the potential underlying cause of their sensitive teeth and the relevant treatment options available that can strengthen your child’s teeth and reduce the pain and irritation that comes with tooth sensitivity.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause inflammation, tooth loss and even bone damage for your child when left untreated. Gum disease begins to form in much the same way as tooth decay, with the gradual buildup of starches and sugars on the teeth that form a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can bleed easily and become red and swollen.

This is why it is important to floss regularly and take note of whether your child’s gums bleed or feel particularly tender when brushing or flossing. If your child is particularly fussy when it comes time to brush and floss their teeth, this may be the reason! In the advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be extracted by a dentist.

However, periodontal disease can be prevented from reaching this point by practicing good dental hygiene habits, taking note of early signs of disease such as bleeding gums or consistent bad breath, and visiting the dentist regularly for thorough cleanings and checkups that can catch gum disease early and treat it accordingly. Don’t worry, our expert team is here to help you and your child at every step of the way, so you can rest assured that your child’s care is in the best hands.

Canker Sores

If you’ve noticed small white or red sores in your child’s mouth, they may be experiencing a canker sore. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small sores inside the mouth that often recur, usually appearing on or under the tongue, inside the cheeks or lips, at the base of the gums or on the soft palate. These sores often appear as spots of inflammation and redness, with a white or gray sore in the center. Canker sores can form from a combination of many factors, which can make it difficult to pinpoint an exact cause of this common problem.

If your child has a canker sore, it will usually go away on its own in a week or two, but you should speak with your child’s dentist if your child is experiencing unusually large or painful canker sores, or if their canker sores don’t seem to be healing. Canker sores can cause some pain and discomfort, so if your child is experiencing one or multiple canker sores, the pain can be alleviated by some topical agents and by avoiding certain foods that may be causing the issue.

Some potential triggers for canker sores include:

  • Minor injury to the area, such as an accidental cheek bite or abrasions from dental work

  • Food sensitivities to spicy or acidic foods

  • Vitamin deficiencies

  • Emotional stress

  • Allergic reactions

  • A particular form of bacteria

  • Reaction to sodium lauryl sulfate

  • Certain conditions and diseases

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Consistent bad breath, known as halitosis, is a symptom of many other common problems such as gum disease, but it can also appear as an unrelated issue. Halitosis can go undetected by the child it’s affecting until someone else brings it to their attention, which can be a source of embarrassment for your little ones. If you notice your child’s breath has an odor, or if they mention having a bad taste in their mouth, consider scheduling an appointment with their dentist at PDOC so we can help!

Common instances of halitosis occur when food particles left in your child’s mouth start to deteriorate. Certain foods such as garlic or onions may create temporary bad breath after eating, but the effects of this can be cut short by having your child brush their teeth after eating or rinsing with mouthwash.

However, consistent bad breath regardless of what your child has had to eat or drink can be a sign of a deeper problem such as gum disease or other dental condition, in which case it’s time to schedule a visit with your dentist to resolve the issue professionally and compassionately.

Orthodontics

If you’ve noticed that your child’s teeth appear crowded together or spaced far apart, they may have a problem with their orthodontic alignment. A bite that does not meet or align properly, known as a malocclusion, can be inherited or acquired over time. Malocclusion can be caused by missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents affecting the jaw or teeth can cause a malocclusion over time, as can developmental issues caused by poor habits such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time.

If your child appears to have malocclusion, speak with their dentist about next steps and treatment options. Some minor malocclusions may be corrected in our pediatric offices, however, severe malocclusions will need to be treated by one of our expert orthodontists.

Click here for more information on PDOC’s orthodontists and orthodontic treatments.

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