When you take your child to the dentist, it’s essential that you find a dental practitioner with a specialization in the dental care of children. Dentists trained in pedodontics deal specifically with children and their unique needs. With that in mind, pediatric dentists can help reduce the pain and discomfort of tooth decay in children.
The Difference between Your Child’s Dentist and Yours
Your child’s dentist will take a holistic approach to oral health. As opposed to focusing on a particular symptom, they’ll take into mind the general appearance of your child’s teeth when performing their diagnosis.
Your Child and Tooth Decay: Why You Need a Children Dentist
Teething is one of the major causes of tooth decay in children. Children will often chew on objects to pacify their discomfort, and those objects can cause changes in the teeth. Over time, the teeth can become damaged or infected.
Since infants and toddlers don’t have fully developed immune systems, tooth decay can easily cause other problems for your child. For example, tooth decay can tamper with the development of your child’s mouth and jaw. Additionally, tooth decay can cause your child to experience pain and discomfort, while also prompting further dental problems.
All about Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay is the most common condition that a pediatric dentist deals with. The first sign is usually a toothache, while another sign is a change in the alignment of the teeth. You might notice that the teeth don’t touch as well or that the spacing is uneven. There’s a possibility that the tooth might even be at risk of fracturing.
A tooth needs to be treated right away to prevent tooth decay from spreading. Otherwise, it’ll continue to spread until it becomes an infection. It could get worse, and there’s a chance that the child will lose their tooth. This is why it’s essential to have your child regular cleanings by a pediatric dentist.
What Are the Signs of Tooth Decay in a Child?
There are certain warning signs that your child might have tooth decay. These include:
- The appearance of white spots surrounding the infected tooth area;
- Tooth sensitivity to certain foods, especially sweets and hot or cold drinks;
- A light brown color appears on the tooth, which is a sign of cavity;
- The cavity worsens and turns into a darker shade of brown, or black in severe cases;
- Your child may feel consistent, aching pain around the tooth;
The dentist will be able to confirm the presence of tooth decay through an examination. However, it’s important to be able to identify the signs so that you can bring your child in for dental care as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Giving Your Child Regular Pediatric Dental Visits
Tooth decay can cause severe discomfort and pain. It can also cause lasting damage to your child’s mouth, teeth, and jaw. Fortunately, it is preventable. As long as you take your child to the dentist regularly, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay in your child.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to have regular checkups. This allows your child to develop healthy oral habits, such as proper brushing and flossing. It also allows the dentist to examine the teeth, check for tooth decay and make sure that the teeth are healthy.
Pediatric dentists are trained to care for children of all ages. They have specialized training and experience that enable them to provide excellent dental care for your child. To learn more about pediatric dentistry, visit our website today.
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