Taking care of children can be exhausting. There are so many things to do and appointments to keep up with that you can lose track of them sometimes. However, one thing you must add to your list is visiting a pediatric dentist in Kitchener, Waterloo, for your kids. 

Staying on top of your child's dental health will ensure they don't develop serious oral health problems in the future. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend taking your child to the dentist as soon as they turn 1. After that, checkups every six months are necessary. 

We have created a complete guide to help you understand some common dental issues in children and how a pediatric dentist can help. 

Top 8 Common Dental Issues In Children

It is important to spot dental issues in your children early to get help as soon as possible. Here are the top eight common dental issues in children you must be on the lookout for: 

1. Halitosis 

Halitosis is the dental term for bad breath, and it can affect anyone, even kids. However, if your child has chronic bad breath, you must see a pediatric dentist in Kitchener Waterloo as soon as possible. It is caused by bad bacteria living in the mouth because of various reasons.

These can include the food leftover in the mouth, which these bacteria food on. Remember that bad morning breath is common with kids and even adults. It is only a cause for concern when the breath stays throughout the day. 

Taking care of your child's dental hygiene is the first step to prevent bad breath. You must teach them the best practices to help them manage their oral hygiene. It will enable them to prevent issues in the long run. 

1. Gum Disease 

Gum diseases and gingivitis are common in children, and many pediatric dentists help children with this problem. You will notice this if your child consistently has swollen and red gums or bleeding when they brush or floss their teeth. Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease. 

However, it also comes with other symptoms you must look for. These include gum recession, pain inside the mouth, swelling in certain areas, and other such symptoms. You can easily avoid this issue by ensuring your child brushes and flosses their teeth daily. 

Sometimes, the culprit can be crowded and crooked teeth, making it challenging for your child to clean their teeth properly. In that case, you must seek the care of a dentist to resolve these issues as soon as possible. 

1. Tooth Decay 

Some kids consume a lot of sugar and don't brush or floss properly, leading to cavities in the mouth. The plaque remains on the teeth, and the acid inside the plaque eats on the enamel, leading to the teeth wearing away. A good prevention practice is to supervise and help your children brush and floss their teeth properly until they get the hang of it. 

Once they understand how to brush and floss, it will guarantee they remove food particles and bacteria from their teeth. If they still develop a cavity, then we recommend that you see the best pediatric dentist in Kitchener, Waterloo, to resolve such issues. Such treatments are common, and they will encourage your child better to take care of their teeth in the future. 

1. Sensitive Teeth 

Teeth sensitivity can be distracting and uncomfortable for children to deal with. It disrupts the routine and focus of your child. Here are some various causes of sensitive teeth in children: 

• Missing or cracked fillings 

• Enamel wear

• Acid erosion 

• Teeth grinding 

• Newly erupted permanent teeth 

• Teeth decay 

There are endless treatments for sensitive teeth, and the one suitable for your child will be the one that your dentist recommends. Follow the doctor's orders, and soon sensitive teeth will not be an issue. 

1. Excessive Thumb Sucking 

As babies, we all have sucked our thumbs from time to time, and this habit can go into childhood if babies don't get over it. Sucking on the thumb provides children with security and comfort that helps them feel better. While many parents think thumb-sucking will not cause oral health issues, this is untrue. 

Excessive thumb sucking can lead to the derailment of normal oral development in your child. It can also affect the alignment of the roof and teeth of your mouth. Temporary or permanent structures can become affected by excessive thumb sucking. 

If your child is five years and still excessively sucks their thumb, then it is time for you to visit a dentist. They will suggest various ways for your child to break this habit and assess any dental health issues arising from it. 

1. Orthodontic Issues 

Not everyone is blessed with naturally straight teeth, and children certainly don't have them from an early age. Instead, they require orthodontic treatments to straighten and align their teeth. Genetics is usually the culprit for such issues, but it can also arise from various other problems.

A few common orthodontic or alignment issues in children include the following:

• Spacing issues 

• Underbite 

• Overbite 

• And more 

We recommend taking your child for their first orthodontic appointment at 7 or 8. A professional pediatric dentist in Kitchener, Waterloo, will assess your child's teeth and recommend what you can do about it.  

1. Teeth Grinding 

Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism and is common in many people worldwide, even children. It takes place when the upper teeth are misaligned with the lower teeth. Many children grind their teeth when they are in discomfort or pain because of this misalignment. 

However, it can sometimes result from your child's excitement or hyperactiveness. If this issue continues, wear and tear will be on your child's permanent teeth. A night guard device or other solutions can help your child stop grinding their teeth. 

1. Tooth Loss 

When your child turns six, the first middle tooth in the front can become loose and fall off. It is natural in all kids, and most of the time, this process is painless. However, there can be times when the teeth refuse to fall off, which can cause a lot of pain to your child. 

Other times, trauma and injury can cause the tooth to come out before it is ready. Anytime you notice such issues in your kid, it is time for you to visit the dentist as soon as possible. They will assess what has happened and take necessary steps to rectify the issue. 

How A Pediatric Dentist In Kitchener Waterloo Can Help Your Child 

Now that you know the most common dental issues in children, you need to seek help as soon as possible. A professional pediatric dentist in Kitchener, Waterloo, can help in the following ways: 

Protecting Oral Health With Regular Appointments 

Pediatric dentists will ensure that you come for regular appointments every six months to take care of your children's oral health. It will enable them to detect problems early on to help your child as soon as possible. In the long run, this will prevent complications with your child's dental health. 

Ensure that you schedule appointments after every six months to stay on top of your child's dental regimen. Mark it in your calendar, and make your way to KWC Dental to benefit from the best pediatric dentists in Kitchener. 

Creating A Calming Atmosphere 

Dentists understand that children fear dentists and avoid coming to the dentist altogether. Because of this, they take the necessary steps to ensure that the atmosphere is calming and the kids are comfortable in their offices. For example, they can keep the child distracted or ask them questions in a friendly manner to eliminate their anxieties. 

When children are comfortable and have an enjoyable experience, they will not resist coming to the dentist so much. It will also make your life easier, as you will not have to convince your kids to visit the dentist. Good pediatric dentists ensure that kids have no issues coming in whenever they have dental problems. 

Advice On Dental Issues 

It can be challenging to help your child stick to a dental routine or follow basic oral hygiene protocols. However, a pediatric dentist in Kitchener, Waterloo, can offer advice to help ensure your child follows dental practices for good hygiene. For example, they can tell you to dance to music with your kids as they brush their teeth to make it more enjoyable for them. 

Having positive associations with an activity can make it more likely for your kids to follow through on it. In the same way, if there are any specific issues, the dentist will provide you with actionable advice you can incorporate into your kid's dental routine. So, it will help your child see oral hygiene's importance and what they can do about it. 

Be There For Any Emergency 

Pediatric dentists are also available for any dental emergencies that your child has. Kids are adventurous, which means anyone can happen to them. This includes breaking their teeth, chipping them, being in pain because of sudden dental issues, etc. 

Dealing with dental emergencies can be intimidating, but taking steps as soon as possible is crucial. Pediatric dentists at KWC Dental are available for any emergencies your child may have. High-quality emergency treatment will guarantee that your child can easily overcome these problems. 

Predict Whether Your Child Needs Orthodontic Treatments 

Around the time your child turns six or seven, they will have enough adult teeth coming in. Dentists can assess their teeth to determine what their bite may look like. During this time, the pediatric dentist will also predict the appearance of the bite of your child. 

They will let you know whether your child requires orthodontic treatment and what steps you must take. It will provide you with plenty of time to plan for this treatment. Sometimes, your child might even need braces, which can be a big decision. 

It is important to let your child know about this so even they can be comfortable with the idea of having such dental treatments. The process will become smooth, allowing you to earmark money for the future. 

Encourage Good Oral Care 

Overall, pediatric dentists will encourage good oral care in your children in a fun way so they can stay with these habits for a long time. As they grow up, they will more likely stick to these habits and have good oral health. The key is to select the right dentist for your child's needs. 

You must conduct extensive research to find the best pediatric dentist in Kitchener to help keep your child's oral health in good condition. Ultimately, it is up to you to take your child to regular appointments and ensure their health maintenance. 

Finding The Right Pediatric Dentist In Kitchener, Waterloo

There are many pediatric dentists in Kitchener, and finding the right one for your child can be difficult. KWC Dental has some amazing dentists in their practice to ensure your child feels comfortable and wants to come back again. We offer extensive dental treatments to help you care for your family's oral health. 

We care for the entire family, and they keep choosing us for their treatments. For more information regarding our services, feel free to contact us today. We will be more than happy to resolve your concerns and provide you with incredible care to keep your entire family coming back for more.