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No one, no matter if they’re an adult or a child, likes having a toothache. One of the nice things about an older child who has a toothache is that they can explain it, but sometimes with younger kids they don’t know how to talk about it. They just understand that it hurts. To catch these sorts of problems early, it is a good idea to check your child’s mouth regularly. You can even make it into a game. The important thing is to stay in the know and be actively involved in your child’s health.
Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues that kids experience. Even though they are commonly associated with kids that eat lots of sweets and junk food, cavities can form in even the most healthy mouths. Some signs of cavities that parents should look out for include the following:
- A tooth that is darker or that has dark spots or has a brownish band
- Your child has swollen gums
- Your child has problems eating
- Your child has a tooth that is sensitive to temperatures
- Your child has constant oral pain
Dentists often use sealants and other protective measures to prevent cavities, but that will only be effective if you regularly take your child to the dentist. Make sure you are scheduling and attending appointments every six months so the dentist can catch any issues before they become more serious.
Gum Boils
No one really wants to talk about things like this, but that doesn’t stop them from happening! Gum boils have the appearance of swollen lumps on the gums. They are typically caused by bacterial infections of the gums. Boils on the gum may appear dark red or pink. Gum overgrowth can be a result of braces or bacterial infections. These problems can also lead to the development of boils.
Gum Disease
Although it’s not as common, children can develop gum disease. Usually it doesn’t affect children who brush their teeth (or semi frequently, as many children do). Gum disease starts out as plaque on the teeth. If left untreated, it will spread to the gums causing inflammation and bleeding. Eventually, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bone damage. Bleeding or pain while brushing or flossing are common typical signs of gum disease. If you’re helping a child brush their teeth, or if a kid comes to you because they say that brushing their teeth hurts, it’s essential to do some digging around to figure out what’s wrong.
Canker Sores
Many parents know the true frustration of canker sores, but sometimes kids don’t know what they are. Canker sores have a white or yellow appearance with a red ring around them. They can show up as a single sore or in a small cluster. Canker sores are usually painful and the exact cause of them in unknown. They can develop on the cheeks, lips, gums, or beneath the tongue. The sores will typically go away on their own without any special treatment within a few days or weeks. Using over the counter pain medication is usually the best thing to use to help the pain subside.
There are many diseases that can cause your child to experience oral pain to include cavities, gum disease, gum boils, and canker sores. It is best to check your child’s mouth regularly to identify problems early. Regular dentist visits, proper brushing, and flossing, and a healthy diet can help prevent many oral diseases. They may not like it, or appreciate it now, but as they get older, they will appreciate how much you have tried to take care of them and their oral health!
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