As much as parents try to prevent them, there are a number of oral health concerns that can present in your young child. We’ve compiled a quick guide on some of the top oral health challenges for children and how to address them.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Childhood tooth decay is an extremely common issue that can present in kids as young as 1 or 2. Parents should not discount the seriousness of decay in baby teeth. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can lead to significant problems with your child’s oral health and their adult teeth.
More than half of all kids have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth by 6 to 8 years old.
Tooth decay in toddlers and young kids can be treated in a variety of different ways, including fillings or special varnishes and sealants designed to help prevent the spread of decay.
Tooth Misalignment
Genetics can play a key role in the risk of developing misaligned teeth. Nearly 50 percent of all children will need braces to fix oral health concerns such as overbites and other misalignments. The most common age range for braces is between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. Headgear, retainers, and tooth extractions may also be a necessary part of your child’s orthodontics treatment.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Kids may grind their teeth for a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, depression, earaches, or teething pain. You may not even notice your child grinding their teeth because it most often happens overnight. A special mouthguard worn at night can help, or you may need to address the underlying cause. Most children grow out of bruxism by the age of 5 or 6.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Although traditionally thought of as primarily affecting adul