The most prevalent pediatric oral ailment in the US is tooth decay and cavities. In Texas, the prevalence of untreated dental decay among youngsters is greater than the national average at over 20%. Pediatric dental illnesses that affect children other than tooth decay also include gingivitis and periodontitis.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on maintaining children’s dental health to keep you well-informed about good oral practices.
Why Is Oral Health So Crucial?
Complications like speech problems, issues with sleep, inadequate nutrition, chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and ENT infections are frequently exacerbated by poor oral health.
Parents must ensure that their children maintain their dental health to avoid threats posed by poor oral hygiene. However, you must be familiar with the fundamentals of dental hygiene before you can instruct your children on how to maintain their oral health.
How Do Bacteria Develop In The Mouth?
Certain bacteria are present in our mouths. They are a part of our oral bacterial flora as long as our body’s natural defenses can prevent their widespread proliferation. Bacteria multiply and create a biofilm layer on the gums and teeth when they come into touch with sucrose and other sugary foods.
We consume a variety of foods throughout the day that may encourage the growth of bacteria. Unfortunately, food, no matter how nutritious, promotes bacterial growth. The food residues remaining in the mouth also allow these bacteria to multiply and naturally secrete acids that destroy the enamel, which can seriously harm the gums and oral mucosa with time.
What Are The Signs Of Poor Oral Hygiene?
Your child can experience these symptoms when enough bacteria have accumulated in their mouth. The following are typical signs of poor oral hygiene.
1. Bad Breath
If a child don’t floss and brush teeth every day, food particles may stay in their mouth, fostering bacterial growth on the tongue, in the gum line, and between the teeth.
This results in an unpleasant breath. Bad breath can also result from gingivitis, an infection of the gums due to poor dental hygiene.
2. Toothaches
Don’t take dental pains lightly. It might be a red flag of poor dental practices. Persistent pains and dental discomfort might even lead to tooth decay. Delaying treatment can cause damage to reach tooth’s nerve and cause significant damage.
3. Increased Sensitivity
Poor dental habits can cause the thinning of enamel. Enamel is the outer protective covering on your teeth. teeth grow more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as this protective layer weakens, making it unpleasant to eat or drink hot or cold things.
4. Swollen or Bleeding Gums
Changes in the color of the gums and swollen or bleeding gums all indicate problems with dental hygiene. Swelling in the gums indicates an irritation under the gums that requires immediate assistance.
Reach out to an expert to stop the disease’s progression and stop your child’s gums from receding and their teeth from becoming unstable.
5. Changes in the Tongue
Your child’s dental health is not up to the mark if the color or texture of their tongue changes. You must encourage them to brush their tongue every time they brush their teeth without fail. Use a tongue scraper if they resist tongue cleaning, fearing a gag reflex.
How Does Poor Oral Hygiene Habits Affect Teeth?
Any excess food you eat and saliva can mix to build plaque if there are enough bacteria in your mouth. Plaque, a yellowish coating on the teeth caused by poor dental care, is acidic and eats away at the tooth’s surface. Bacteria attack the sensitive gums underneath after the plaque destroys the tooth’s surface.
How to Practice Good Dental Hygiene?
Not only brushing teeth regularly but flossing and using mouthwash also constitute good oral hygiene. Your child’s dental health will be fantastic if they practice good oral hygiene. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms in the mouth. As a result, teeth won’t deteriorate, and your child won’t encounter any dental health problems.
Here’s how you can keep your child’s teeth and overall dental hygiene in good form.
- Brush their teeth regularly and properly. Not brushing teeth properly is as bad as not brushing them.
- Floss regularly
- Plaque can also gather on the tongue, so don’t neglect it as it can be the leading cause of mouth odor.
- Don’t miss out on mouthwash. It isn’t an extra step but a necessary one as it helps remineralize teeth, cleans hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, and balances the acid in the mouth.
- Keep them away from sugarto avoid bacterial buildup in the mouth.
- Give them lots of fruits and vegetablesand increase their calcium intake to help make their teeth stronger. Vitamins in fruits and vegetables boost their immune systems to fight bacteria and infections.
Importance of Pediatric Visits for Dental Health
Dental care for children is just as significant as their physical and emotional well-being. Regular dental checkups are a must.
A Thru Z Pediatrics is the leading primary pediatric clinic Schertz that offers multiple healthcare facilities. We offer a wide range of medical services, such as ADHD testing San Antonio and well-child visits for babies, children, and adolescents.
Contact us for more information on our services or schedule an appointment today.