COMMON ORAL CARE ISSUES IN KIDS
- #1 ORAL CARE ISSUES IN KIDS
- MOST COMMON ORAL CARE ISSUES IN KIDS
- EARLY ORAL CARE ISSUES IN BABIES AND TODDLERS
- ENCOURAGE GOOD HABITS TO PREVENT EARLY ORAL CARE PROBLEMS
- CLOSING AMERICA’S SMILE GAP
Oral care issues can arise in kids of any age, but there are several that are more common. Here are the oral health issues to look out for and how to better prevent them.
#1 ORAL CARE ISSUES IN KIDS
Not surprisingly, the most common issue in children’s oral health is tooth decay, specifically in the form of cavities. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of kids between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a cavity affect at least one of their baby teeth.
Older kids aren’t immune either with more than half of those between the ages of 12 to 19 having had a cavity in at least one of their adult teeth. The best way to help kids of all ages keep cavities at bay is to follow a thorough oral care routine consisting of brushing for 2 minutes, 2X/day and flossing at least 1X/day. Additionally, brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay while maintaining a strong smile.
MOST COMMON ORAL CARE ISSUES IN KIDS
Apart from cavities, there are other common oral care issues to be on the lookout for to help ensure your child’s dental health stays in good condition.
Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can cause a lot of discomfort including sudden pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Kids are more prone to tooth sensitivity if they have a cavity, grind their teeth, wear braces, or have newly erupted adult teeth.
Pediatric Gingivitis: Gum disease is common in kids, especially when teeth are not properly brushed or flossed. Crooked and crowded teeth can make cleaning tricky areas of the mouth even harder, making gums more susceptible to gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis in kids include gum bleeding, swollen or red gums, and gum sensitivity.
Overcrowding and Misalignment: Not all kids have straight teeth. In fact, most children may need some type of orthodontic appliance to help improve their smile. Misalignment issues include wide gaps, inconsistent spacing, overbite, underbite, and open bite.
Dental Emergencies: Accidents happen especially when kids are active. Teeth can chip or crack which can cause sensitivity, or a tooth can get knocked out. If a dental emergency does occur, contact your child’s dental professional right away.
A good oral hygiene routine really goes a long way in preventing gum problems and keeping their teeth less susceptible to issues such as sensitivity.
EARLY ORAL CARE ISSUES IN BABIES AND TODDLERS
Babies can develop oral health issues as well, here are the early dental problems to watch out for:
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Occurs when a baby’s teeth are in constant contact with sugars, usually from milk, formula, and fruit juices. Properly caring for baby teeth and gums can limit the risk of your baby developing tooth decay.
Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and the use of pacifiers can directly impact the formation of the jaw. If thumb sucking persists once adult teeth start to come in, dental problems such as an overbite and malformation can occur.
Tongue Thrusting: Tongue thrusting occurs when a child pushes their teeth against their front teeth. This can exert pressure on the front teeth which can lead to misalignment and an overbite.
Early Tooth Loss: Tooth decay is often the main culprit of premature tooth loss, along with injury and a lack of space in the jaw. This can cause chewing issues as well as wide gaps between teeth.
When caring for your baby’s gums and teeth, make sure to gently wipe tender gums with a washcloth and water or use a soft-bristled toothbrush and baby training toothpaste. The Oral-B and Crest Baby Training Toothpaste and Toothbrush Kit features a manual toothbrush with extra-soft bristles and a non-fluoride toothpaste for a gentle clean on baby’s teeth and gums.
ENCOURAGE GOOD HABITS TO PREVENT EARLY ORAL CARE PROBLEMS
Follow these to tips on caring for baby teeth and gums to help ensure oral health and a lifetime of good oral care habits:
- Limit sugar intake to help prevent tooth decay.
- Make sure children get enough fluoride, either through drinking water or as a treatment at the dentist’s office, to strengthen tooth enamel and resist decay.
- Ask your dental professional about dental sealants. Dental sealants provide a further layer of protection against cavities.
- Teach kids to brush and floss regularly and properly.
- Try creating ways to make brushing and flossing fun for your child in order to encourage a good oral health routine.
- Enlist the help of their favorite characters to better support healthy habits. Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes for kids ages 3+ feature Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
CLOSING AMERICA’S SMILE GAP
The disproportion of children affected by tooth decay is directly linked to social and economic factors as well. In fact, children from under privileged families are 25% more likely to have cavities compared to their higher income counterparts.
That’s why Oral-B and Crest are making an active effort to end oral care inequity in America by Closing America’s Smile Gap.
Want to get involved? Your purchase of Crest and Oral-B products helps give to a smile in need. Join the cause for additional ways to participate in ending the oral health crisis in America.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-health-problems-children