When your kids have dental problems it can be a real pain (literally and figuratively)! As parents, it's important to be aware of the common dental issues that our little ones may face so that we can take action to prevent them. Here's a rundown of some of the most common dental problems that children may encounter:
Thumb sucking
Thumb sucking can be a go-to anxiety reliever for young kids, but it if it persists past the age of 3 it can cause some serious orthodontic issues like jaw misalignment. If you're in this boat with your little one, consult your dentist or other specialist.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Many children grind their teeth, especially while sleeping, which can cause damage to those pulverised little teeth. Reducing stress and also making sure they’re getting a good nights sleep can be the ticket to stop teeth grinding.
Misaligned teeth
Poor alignment of the teeth can be caused by a number of factors, such as genetics, habits like thumb sucking, or jaw growth issues. If your child's teeth are not aligned properly, it may be necessary to consult an orthodontist to correct the problem.
Cavities
And last but not least, the one that 1 in 3 Aussie kids face...cavities: These pesky little buggers are the most common dental problem in children. Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth turn sugar and carbohydrates into acid, which erodes the enamel of the tooth.The good news is that there’s an easy way to significantly reduce the risk of cavities, and that’s making sure your child flosses daily and brushes their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes!
“But they hate brushing their teeth”, you say. That’s where the BRUSHY club and podcast come in. Get them a new a toothbrush kit delivered every month and watch their excitement for brushing time soar. Partner that with a giggle inducing 2 minute episode of the BRUSHY podcast and the time will fly by. Add routine dental check-ups, a healthy diet and avoiding sugary drinks to the mix and your kid’s pearly whites will be set.
If you notice any of these problems in your child, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a paediatric dentist as soon as possible to ensure that the issue is addressed and treated correctly, before it becomes a bigger problem down the track!
