Top Concerns in Children’s Oral Health

Oral health in children is a crucial part of wellness. As your children grow, it’s important to teach them proper oral hygiene, establish healthy routines, and monitor them for potential health concerns. By managing these common concerns in pediatric dentistry, you can maintain your child’s health and your family’s peace of mind.

Establishing Routines For Healthy Habits

It’s important to start establishing healthy dental habits early on in life. When your child’s baby teeth come in, you should brush their teeth twice a day with a small amount of toothpaste. You should also start flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. 

Try to take your children to the dentist every six months and establish a stable dental home for them. Plus, be sure to follow these habits yourself and set a good example! Establishing these habits at a young age will help your children maintain good oral health throughout their lifetime.

Keeping an Eye Out For Concerns

There are several oral health concerns to be aware of in your kids. The top concern is cavities (also known as tooth decay). Children are often at risk for cavities due to their inexperience with brushing and flossing. We recommend you supervise your kids to ensure they are brushing their teeth effectively, and take them to the dentist for a checkup every six months.

There are a few other concerns to watch out for as well. This includes tooth sensitivity–which can be caused by several factors, including cavities and teeth grinding. Excessive thumb-sucking is another common problem which can affect the way new teeth develop.

Managing Healthy Gums

Many parents overlook gum health when it comes to children’s oral health, but they are just as important as the teeth! Flossing is one key way to maintain a child’s gum health. Ensure that your children’s teeth are flossed once per day for optimal gum health. 

Additionally, we recommend teaching your children the importance of a healthy, nutritious diet. Sweets, starchy foods, and sticky foods and drinks can all cause a decline in gum health and could eventually lead to gum disease.

Alignment of Adult Teeth

Many parents worry when their child’s permanent teeth start to come in, and even more so when those teeth come in crooked. It’s important to remember that crooked teeth are common, and these teeth may even straighten out on their own.

However, there are some cases where you may need to take action before your child’s misaligned teeth lead to more severe problems. Depending on how crooked your child’s teeth are, they may need braces or Invisalign. It’s best to make an appointment when your child’s permanent teeth start coming in so that dental health professionals can advise you on the next best steps.

Pediatric Dentistry in Edmonton

At Design Dentistry, we aim to provide your children with comprehensive dental care in a comfortable, happy environment. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental services, including fillings, extractions, and early-intervention orthodontics. Contact us today to book your appointment!