Dental Problems
Parents shoulder a lot of big responsibilities when it comes to their kids, and trips to the dentist fall near the top of the list. That’s why Big Grins, your pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, wants to make every visit as fun and stress-free as possible. You can help by scheduling regular appointments for your child’s checkups and cleanings. In this way, we can work together to diagnose and treat oral health issues before they cause your child unnecessary discomfort.
Some of the more common pediatric dental problems we see over and over again include:
Tooth Decay
Hands-down, tooth decay is the number-one dental problem when it comes to kids. Even the most conscientious parent can’t guarantee their child will brush and floss correctly every time. And other childhood habits, such as taking a bottle to bed or eating too many sweets, also contribute to cavities. Early intervention is the best form of treatment when it comes to pediatric tooth decay. We can treat your child’s teeth with dental sealants to help prevent this problem, and our friendly dentists and staff are always happy to speak to your child regarding the proper way to brush and floss.
Malocclusion
Sometimes, baby teeth become misaligned, often due to thumb-sucking. It may not seem like a big deal, because eventually these teeth will fall out. However, if they’re too badly misaligned, this can cause problems with your child’s permanent teeth as they grow in. Your dentist may be the first to notice problems with tooth alignment. Early diagnosis can prevent issues later on.
Premature Tooth Loss
Children develop at their own pace, and all kids will eventually lose their baby teeth to make way for permanent ones to take their place. However, if your child loses a baby tooth prematurely, the teeth forming behind it will shift and reposition to fill that space. This can lead to crooked or crowded teeth. Your dentist can help by fitting your child for a temporary space maintainer until permanent teeth erupt.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another common dental problem in young children. If your child brushes too little or forgets to floss, this may lead to gum disease. Gum disease is actually a bacterial infection that occurs when plaque builds up on teeth. Regular cleanings with your pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, will remove large deposits of plaque.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can cause unnecessary teeth, mouth, and jaw pain. It also causes teeth to wear down prematurely. Talk to your child’s dentist if you notice popping or grinding noises when your child is sleeping. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress, by malocclusion, or more. A simple night guard could be the solution.
If it’s time to schedule your child’s next dental appointment in Fort Collins, CO, contact Big Grins today. Big Grins specializes in pediatric dentistry, and we know how to connect with kids. Call today to set up a time that’s convenient for you.