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Signs Of Dental Issues In Children To Watch Out For

A child's teeth need to be cared for properly in order for their incoming adult teeth to grow in healthy and without issues. If your child is not taking care of their teeth, and you are not taking them in for preventative cleanings, your child could end up with dental issues that may be irreversible and take them into adulthood. Part of taking care of your child's teeth is watching out for dental issues. Read on for a few signs of dental issues to keep an eye out for.

Stains On Teeth

Your child's teeth are not going to be perfectly white forever. They will stain with time, but if those stains are extremely bad or you are seeing dark brown or even black spots on their teeth, it could be from not cleaning their teeth properly or from cavities. If your child is not brushing properly, you need to watch your child brush their teeth and show them the proper way to brush. Your child should not be brushing by themselves until about the age of 5 or 6. Until then, you should be watching your child brush, or helping them to brush their teeth.

Jaw Pain

If your child is experiencing jaw pain, it may be due to them grinding their teeth or clenching their jaws. Children can have anxiety and it could be causing them to do these things with their teeth and jaws. If your child has jaw pain, it can lead to headaches, or it could cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. If your child is complaining of jaw pain, take them to the dentist about this and have it treated before they end up needing surgery for this issue.

Pain When Eating Or Drinking

If your child has pain when eating or drinking, it may be caused by sensitive teeth or it could be a cavity. Sensitive teeth can occur when the enamel is worn off of the teeth. Having fluoride treatments can help prevent wearing off the enamel, as will brushing twice daily and using fluoride toothpaste. Be sure your child is eating and drinking a healthy diet and not drinking a lot of sugary drinks.

If your child is experiencing dental issues, you need to be sure to take them to the dentist for proper treatment. Pay attention to any signs of dental concerns in your child, as they can affect the adult teeth that have yet to come in. Make a dental appointment and get your child in for a cleaning and checkup.

For more information, contact a pediatric dentist.