Kids and children are prone to dental diseases due to the high consumption of food and beverages that contain sugar. They stand the chance of gum disease and tooth loss if proper care is not imparted to dental health at the right time.

Listed below are dental diseases that affect children.

Cavities

Cavities are the most common dental issue among patients of all ages. A cavity occurs due to oral bacteria that consume sugar from foods and beverages. The bacteria produce tooth-destroying acids that break down tooth enamel. A cavity forms when the acids remove enough enamel from the tooth to result in an untreated hole.

Small cavities are relatively easy to treat. The dentist will clean out the cavity, place a filling material in the tooth, and polish it to blend in with the remaining tooth structure. Large cavities may require a crown because the tooth is more structurally compromised.

A cavity can be painful, particularly if the condition worsens. Left untreated, a cavity will eventually reach the nerves of the tooth. This can result in significant pain and an abscess.

Baby bottle tooth decay

Many parents don’t realize that their baby’s teeth need to be cared for just as much as their adult teeth. When your baby deals with bottle tooth decay, it’s usually by chewing on bottles, pacifiers, and similar objects. These objects hold sugary liquids on them, which, in turn, can end up causing decay.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a normal childhood habit and may continue into adulthood. In most cases, thumb sucking does not lead to any complications. However, if thumb sucking is prolonged or becomes excessive, it can result in problems with tooth alignment. The constant pressure from the thumb can cause the mouth to form a crossbite.

Tongue thrust

Tongue thrust is the term used to describe the tendency of some children to push their tongue against their teeth or lips. It can cause several problems, such as misalignment, damage to the teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Many children outgrow this habit. If you suspect your child suffers from tongue thrust, arrange an orthodontic consultation. The dentist can determine if the child’s teeth need to be aligned to prevent future problems.

Misaligned teeth

If your kids’ teeth are crooked or out of alignment, several treatment options are available. These include traditional braces, clear aligners, and retainers.

For younger children, traditional braces may be the most effective approach. Braces are comprised of metal brackets and wires and work by slowly moving teeth into the correct position. Many orthodontists also offer colorful braces that appeal to younger patients.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common issue among kids, teenagers, and even adults. Teeth grinding can lead to jaw and tooth pain, as well as headaches and facial soreness. One treatment for bruxism is a mouthguard, which can be worn at night to absorb the force of grinding.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (503) 581-2446 to consult with our dentist, Dr. Giruc, and we will be happy to assist you further.