Pediatric Dentistry Puyallup: 6 Common Dental Issues in Kids

Kids' dental health should be on the list of top priorities for any parent. So, it's essential for parents to be able to tell a dental issue when they see one. Here are some of the most common dental problems that pediatric dentistry in Puyallup mostly addresses.

6 Common Dental Issues in Kids

#1 - Early Childhood Cavities

Cavities are one of the most widespread dental issues, not just in kids but in adults as well. When left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious problems such as infections. The best way to prevent cavities is through regular brushing and flossing.

Pediatric dentistry in Puyallup can help identify early childhood cavities and provide treatment options to prevent them from getting worse.

Symptoms:

  • toothache
  • sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • visible holes or pits in teeth
  • black, brown, or white spots on teeth

Treatment:

  • dental fillings
  • crowns
  • extractions

Prevention:

  • regular brushing and flossing
  • avoiding sugary drinks and snacks
  • getting sealants

 

#2 - Sensitive Teeth

Many kids experience tooth sensitivity, especially when they're eating or drinking hot or cold beverages. Sensitive teeth can be a sign of early cavities or gum disease.

Symptoms:

  • pain when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages
  • pain when eating sugary or acidic foods
  • discomfort when brushing or flossing

Treatment:

  • fluoride treatments
  • dental bonding
  • tooth desensitization
  • gum grafts (in severe cases)

Prevention:

  • using a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • avoiding sugary and acidic foods
  • using toothpaste for sensitive teeth

#3 - Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common dental issues in kids. Gum disease or gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

This is usually caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar.

Symptoms:

  • bleeding gums
  • red or swollen gums
  • painful chewing
  • bad breath
  • receding gums

Treatment:

  • professional teeth cleaning
  • antibiotics
  • surgery (in severe cases)

Prevention:

  • good oral hygiene habits
  • regular dental checkups and cleanings

#4 - Misalignment or Bite Problems

Another common dental issues in kids is the improper alignment of their teeth. When the teeth are not in proper alignment, it can cause bite problems. This can lead to difficulty chewing or speaking. In some cases, it can also affect the shape of the face.

Teeth misalignment usually happens when the baby teeth are lost too early, or the adult teeth come in too late. It can also be caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or other habits.

Symptoms:

  • difficulty chewing or biting food
  • pain in the jaw
  • clicking or popping sound when opening the mouth
  • headaches
  • facial pain

Treatment:

  • dental braces
  • headgear
  • expanders
  • retainers
  • jaw surgery (in severe cases)

Prevention:

  • early orthodontic intervention (identifying the problem early on and starting treatment as soon as possible)

#5 - Bad Breath

Bad breath or halitosis is another common dental issue, not just in kids but in adults as well. It can be caused by different factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, cavities, and more. Treatments under pediatric dentistry Puyallup can help address this oral health issue.

Symptoms:

  • foul-smelling breath
  • dry mouth
  • white tongue coating
  • bad taste in the mouth

Treatment:

  • good oral hygiene habits
  • tongue scraping
  • regular dental checkups and cleanings
  • mouthwash
  • flossing

Prevention:

  • good oral hygiene habits
  • regular dental checkups and cleanings

#6 - Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers that develop in the mouth. They can be caused by different factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and more.

Symptoms:

  • small ulcers in the mouth
  • pain when eating or drinking
  • swollen lymph nodes

Treatment:

  • over-the-counter medication
  • topical creams or ointments
  • home remedies (such as salt water rinse)

Prevention:

  • good oral hygiene habits
  • avoiding spicy and acidic foods
  • reducing stress levels

#7 - Trauma to the Mouth

Trauma to the mouth is another common dental issues in kids. Accidents, sports injuries, and falls can all lead to such dental trauma.

Symptoms:

  • bleeding
  • swelling
  • pain
  • tooth loss
  • cracked or chipped teeth
  • loose teeth
  • misaligned teeth

Treatment:

  • teeth restoration (such as dental bonding, dental crowns, dental implants)
  • Orthodontics (if the teeth have been misaligned)
  • surgery under pediatric dentistry Puyallup (in severe cases)

Prevention:

  • wearing a mouthguard when playing sports
  • being careful when eating hard foods
  • avoiding chewing on hard objects (such as ice)

Pediatric Dentistry Puyallup, Tacoma, South Center, Federal Way, & Covington in Washington

Common Dental issues in kids

One of the most important things to take care of in kids is their teeth and oral health. When you neglect proper dental care in children, it can lead to a number of problems down the road. That's why it's important to take them to a pediatric dentist as early as possible.

At pediatric dentistry in Puyallup like ours, we focus on the oral health of children from infancy all the way through their teenage years. We understand the importance of preventive care and education, and we work hard to instill good oral hygiene habits in our young patients.

We offer preventive care, conservative dentistry, and restorative services as well as sedation dentistry in Puyallup and emergency care for our pediatric patients in King County and Pierce County, WA.

At Kid's Choice Dental, we only recommend what's necessary. We make suggestions based on what your child needs. Nothing extra.

Kids need special dental care that makes them feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed. That's why we offer non-invasive, fast, affordable, and painless cavity treatments using the latest technology.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for pediatric dentistry Puyallup! We have convenient locations in Puyallup, Tacoma, South Center, Federal Way, and Covington, WA. New patients are always welcome!

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