Our children deserve to have the best oral health care. When our child’s oral health is neglected it can cause many issues such as gum issues, loss of teeth and bad breath. If you are looking to find out more on the topic of oral health for children in Stamford, read on.
Common issue faced by children with bad oral health.
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Bad breath is a common issue faced by kids as well as adults when there are problems concerning oral health. When you forget to brush your tongue and floss your teeth, you leave behind small food particles that collect foul smelling bacteria. It breaks down just like old food in your garbage can, causing your kid to have bad breath. This issue can lead to your kid having problems socially as other kids may not like the bad breath. This can cause mental strain on them resulting in them becoming socially awkward or even depressed.
Cavities
Cavities, one of the most common chronic diseases among kids in the United States. They’re also known as caries or tooth decay. If left untreated, the disease can cause a lot of pain, discomfort and further infections which can lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Your child’s chance of getting cavities can be higher if:
- Family members (older brothers, sisters, or parents) have cavities.
- They eat and drink a lot of sugary foods and drinks, like soda, especially between meals.
- They have special health care needs.
- They wear braces or orthodontics or oral appliances.
Chronic gingivitis
This is one of the most common forms of gum disease and is common among children with bad dental hygiene. It can be very painful and uncomfortable for the kids who suffer from them. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. Signs of gum disease include:
- Receding and tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Dark red gums
Here are some tips on what you or a caregiver can do to avoid these issues happening to your children:
Babies:
- Once teeth have come in, start brushing twice a day with a soft, small‑bristled toothbrush and plain water.
- Wipe gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the after their morning feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities.
- Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday to spot signs of problems early
Children:
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If your kid knows how to brush themselves, monitor their brushing once in a while to make sure they do it right.
- Drink tap water that contains fluoride.
- Ask your child’s dentist to apply dental sealants when appropriate.
- Feed your children a healthy diet, limiting foods with added sugars
- Replace toothbrushes every three months – or sooner if the bristles become splayed or worn
- Schedule regular cleanings and check-ups with your child’s dentist
- Get in touch with your child’s dentist as soon as you suspect a problem in your child’s mouth
As you can see, poor oral hygiene doesn’t just result in simple toothaches. If your kid has cavities or periodontal disease the effects on the body can be immense. If you are concerned about your child’s dental health or want to do a visit for a dental checkup, at Stamford Dental Spa we provide the best dental care you and your family can find. Give us a call at (203) 324-7777 or contact us here.