Signs Your Child Needs To See The Dentist
Posted on: 20 October 2020
Share
Kids should see the dentist approximately every 6 months for checkups. If you stick to this schedule, most problems will be caught by the dentist before they get too serious. However, you should still keep an eye on your child's dental health and make an appointment with the dentist if you or your child notice any of these problems.
Bleeding or Sore Gums
If your child's gums are sore or if you have noticed blood in the sink after they brush their teeth, it is likely that they have gum disease. Since gum disease can lead to tooth damage over time, it is a good idea to consult the dentist on this one. They may or may not actually want to see your child. They may simply prescribe a mouthwash for them to use for a week or two and recommend that your child is more thorough with their brushing and flossing. If this does not clear things up, the dentist may want to do a root scaling treatment, which involves cleaning your child's teeth below the gumline (usually with the help of a numbing agent.)
Chipped Teeth
Kids can be rambunctious! If your child falls down, gets hit in the face with a ball, or has some sort of other accident that results in a chipped tooth, you had better call the dentist. Sometimes parents assume that if the chipped tooth does not hurt, it does not require treatment. However, even small chips can grab onto food particles, leading to decay. The dentist may just file down the chip, or they might apply a bonding agent to basically fill the chip like they would fill a cavity.
Sensitive Teeth
Has your child complained that their teeth hurt when they eat or drink hot or cold items? Maybe they have not mentioned this to you, but you've noticed them cringe when eating these foods. Tooth sensitivity can have a number of possible causes. It can be indicative of a cavity or decay, or it can mean your child is developing gum disease. Sensitivity could also mean that an existing filling is working its way loose. It's best to have a dentist take a look sooner rather than later.
Family dentists can do plenty to diagnose and treat your child's dental problems, but it is up to you to notice when there's a problem going on. Never hesitate to call the dentist and ask for guidance.
Contact a clinic like Airport Road Dental Associates to learn more.