Taking care of your child’s teeth is important. A beautiful, healthy smile boosts self-esteem, allows enjoyment of food, and affects the way people see us. In order to keep your child’s smile looking and feeling the best it can, your dentist needs to treat problem areas as early as possible. Here are 5 signs your child needs to see the dentist.
White Spots
White spots on the teeth may not seem like a big deal, but they can be the beginning stages of a cavity. These spots are often the first sign that the strong enamel on the teeth is wearing away. According to Edwardsville Family Dentist, decay will progress over time, so it is important for your kids to see a dentist right away.
Sensitivity
If your child starts to avoid favorite foods like ice cream, they may be experiencing sensitivity to cold or sweets. Tooth sensitivity is often the first sign of a cavity. Cavities need to be treated quickly to avoid further problems, like infections and toothaches.
Crowded Teeth
When baby teeth start to fall out and new adult teeth come in, you may notice crowding. Sometimes baby teeth get stuck and need to be extracted. Adult teeth might become impacted and need help to come in correctly. One adult tooth could be trying to come in underneath another. All of these issues need to be addressed by your dentist to assess what treatments may be necessary.
Irritated Gums
Irritated, inflamed, or red gums could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease not only affects the teeth, but has been shown to cause heart problems later in life. Gingivitis, or gum disease, can be reversed if treated early on. The dentist can give instruction on how to improve hygiene to reduce the discomfort of brushing and flossing.
Refusal to Eat
Very young children can’t tell you when something hurts in their mouth. Often times, children will refuse to eat because of tooth pain. If your child won’t eat all of a sudden, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist right away. Pain in the mouth could signal a cavity or an abscess due to extensive decay. Your dentist will be able to treat the issue and alleviate the symptoms right away.
These signs of dental issues need to be assessed by your child’s dentist as soon as possible. It is much easier to diagnose and treat issues with your child’s teeth early on. The earlier problems are taken care of, the better your child’s smile will be.
