As we get older, we face an increasing number of dental problems due to our aging teeth. But problems can arise during childhood, too. Roughly 57% of children ages 6-11 years old have or have had a cavity. If we neglect our teeth at a young age, then we’ll face serious problems as we transition into adulthood.
Here are some of the most common dental problems among children in Canada:
Grinding or clenching teeth
A lot of us hold tension in our jaw without realizing it. The same goes for those who grind their teeth at night, a condition that’s called bruxism. The force of your jaws can wear down the teeth and cause cracks or chips. If you suspect that your child grinds their teeth, ask your dentist to look closely at their mouth. A mouthguard can protect their teeth against grinding or clenching at night.
Thumb sucking
Many children find it comforting to suck their thumbs, a habit they’ve had since they were a baby. But doing so can lead to misaligned teeth or speech problems.
It’s hard for kids to break a bad habit, like biting their nails or picking scabs. You may need to incentivize them to do so by using positive reinforcement, like offering rewards or other treats.
Tooth decay
Kids love candy—it’s too bad that their teeth don’t.
Cavities are a common occurrence these days among children. Your child is at an increased risk of developing cavities if they have a sugary diet or if other members of their family have oral health issues.
Don’t let your kid go to bed with a sippy cup full of juice—instead, only let them have water at night. If your child drinks sugary beverages frequently, their teeth will be in constant contact with bacteria.
Sensitive teeth
Enamel is what protects our teeth from bacteria and extreme temperatures. But sugary juices and sodas gradually wear away this layer, resulting in sensitive teeth. Baby teeth have a thinner enamel than permanent teeth, making them more susceptible to temperature changes.
Injured teeth
Children don’t let anything hold them back. When they’re playing with their friends, they can get a little too rowdy. From active playdates to contact sports, accidents happen that can cause damage to a kid’s teeth. A baby tooth may fall out before the permanent tooth is ready, or the injured tooth may become a dead tooth.
Dental anxiety
Do you remember what it was like to go to the dentist as a child? It might have paralyzed you with a sense of fear. For some children, the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair and having their teeth cleaned is the scariest thing in the world. They fear the needles, drills, and sharp tools that they’ve heard about or seen on TV.
If your child has dental anxiety, they might be unwilling to have their teeth cleaned. This can lead to the development of cavities or even gum disease.
Your teeth are supposed to last you a lifetime. Proper care begins during childhood. Make sure to take care of your teeth by visiting a Winnipeg Dental Clinic.
At EK Dental, we provide regular cleanings along with advanced dental procedures. Get in touch with us to schedule your next check-up!