COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS IN KIDS (PART 1)

         “Problems are everywhere, so are solutions”.
Not sure about that! But what we know is that the solution for your kids’ dental problem is here. The journey from milk teeth to permanent teeth can be tiring for both the child and also the parents. We have come up with some common difficulties you generally encounter and suggestions to ease this process for you.

TEETHING:

  

          It means the eruption of milk teeth in infants. Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months (but it may vary). It is an important milestone in your kid’s life. But it can also produce discomfort.

  

          It isn’t hard to tell when your baby is teething.

Common symptoms are,

•  Reddish and swollen gums
•  Increased saliva / drooling
•  Irritability
•  Low appetite due to gum soreness
• Restless nights
• Trying to bite or suck everything
• Tendency to rub ear on the side of erupting tooth
• If the baby has fever, diarrhea, rashes then it is a sign for dental check up

How to ease your baby…

Unsweetened teething rings, frozen fruits and vegetables (peeled cucumbers, banana, strawberry, melon) can produce temporary relief. Frozen objects can also help to reduce redness and swelling.

• Let them gnaw at your finger or bite down a moist cloth.
• Babies love to gnaw - make sure you know what is in their mouth and try to avoid sweetened items.

DENTAL DECAY:

     

       Dental decay remains as one of the most widespread disease and the most common childhood problem.

     

       Decay is caused by bacteria that sits on your teeth and thrive upon the food you eat (milk in case of your child) Bacteria breaks down sugar to form acids that cause teeth damage.

    

           When your child’s teeth come in frequent contact with sugars i.e. breast milk, cow’s milk, formula, sugar water it results in BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY.

          This can become painful if not treated at right time, making it difficult to chew and eat for your child. This may result in malnutrition.

What you can do!

•   Start brushing your child’s teeth and tongue as soon as the first tooth appears.
•  Don’t leave the bottle in your child’s mouth for long time. 
• Give plain water and wipe your child’s teeth and gums after feeding.
•  Don’t dip pacifiers in sugar or honey.

BAD BREATH: Beware

   

       AKA halitosis, can affect anyone regardless of age. It is mainly caused by bacterial build up which feed on left-over food, liquid and plaque.

  

      Halitosis isn’t always due to poor oral hygiene. Identifying the cause helps in taking care of it.

  

Here are few reasons ,

• Sinus infection
• Foreign objects stuck in nasal passages (you know, kids!)
• Swollen tonsils
• Dry mouth- with all the running around, they tend to forget to drink enough water
• Tooth decay
• Swollen gums

How to avoid it?

• Proper teeth and also tongue cleaning
• Proper hydration
• If halitosis persists for a long time it is wise to consult a dentist

SWOLLEN GUMS (Gingivitis): Take caution

YES, kids are not shielded from gingivitis! Taking care of your kids’ gums is as important as their teeth and tongue. You may notice red and swollen gums if gum cleaning is ignored. Sometimes your kid may spit out a little blood while rinsing (Red flag)

       This is primarily due to poor oral hygiene. Plaque is an invisible sticky layer of germs found in mouth.This irritates the gums thus giving rise to gingivitis.

Keeping plaque at bay….

      Plaque build-up can be reduced by brushing TWICE a day and rinsing mouth after every snack and meal. 
     Chewing raw foods like carrot have benefits on oral cleanliness.

    Childhood is a time filled with adventure, exploration and growth. As parents it is up to you to set healthy oral care standards for your kids.

                       
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