Children are prone to dental diseases primarily due to the type of food they consume. It is important to keep a close check on their dental condition to avoid dental diseases. Listed below are the major oral diseases detected in children.
Cavities
Tooth decay is a common problem among children of all ages. Cavities develop when tooth decay-causing oral bacteria consume sugar from food and drinks. The bacteria multiply and produce an acid that attacks tooth enamel. This acid wears away tooth enamel, eventually reaching the inner dentin layer. Cavities can be painful for children, and they can cause infections if left untreated. In severe cases, untreated tooth decay can cause the tooth to fall out.
Tooth decay can be treated with restorative dental treatments, such as fillings. Dental sealants, which are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, can also be applied to the teeth to help prevent decay.
Dental abscesses
A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms when an infection spreads to the roots of teeth. When a cavity spreads to the root of a tooth, it can become infected. This infection can then spread through the root canals of the tooth. Without treatment, the infection will continue to spread, resulting in pain and swelling.
Dental trauma
The jaw is a complicated system of bones, muscles, and ligaments. When one of these is injured, it can result in a dental emergency.
To avoid dental trauma, children should be supervised by an adult while eating. They should also wear a mouthguard during sports or activities that may pose a risk of injury.
Tongue-tie
Tongue-tie is a condition in which the tongue is attached too close to the floor of the mouth. This can prevent the tongue from moving normally, making it difficult to place food in the back of the mouth. Tongue-tie results in a number of potential dental issues, including:
Mouth-breathing
Mouth breathing, or “open-mouth breathing,” is a type of breathing pattern that can affect a child’s dental health. If a child’s mouth is open, the tongue may block the airway, preventing air from flowing into the lungs. Mouth breathing can also dry out the mouth, leading to oral issues like tooth decay and cavities.
Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking is an oral habit that can cause issues with the alignment of the teeth. The constant pressure applied to the teeth can cause it to shift and become crooked. The habit of sucking on your thumb can also cause teeth to become crowded and gaps to open up in between the teeth.
The dental appliances that are most recommended for treating thumb sucking are:
1. Dental mouth guards or other oral appliances that fit over the teeth. These will position the jaw in alignment and can help break the habit.
2. Orthodontics. Braces can help correct any misalignment or crowding of the teeth caused by thumb sucking.
Julita S Patil DDS Inc., located in Concord, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies. To schedule an appointment with the dentist, call dentist in Concord CA at (925) 689-2585 today itself.
