How to Tell If Your Kid Needs to See a Pedodontist

Parents are understably constantly on edge when it comes to their kid’s health. That being said, it’s important to be aware of the signs that a child needs to see a dentist. Usually, parents will wait until their children experience pain or have a dental emergency before taking them in for a checkup. However, according to the dental experts at 7 Day Dental, seeing your dentist regularly effectively prevents these problems. 

Signs That Your Child Needs a Pedodontist

1. Having a Hard Time Chewing or Swallowing Food

If you notice that your child is having difficulty chewing or swallowing food, take that as a sign to go see a dentist. This can be due to tooth decay or other dental problems that need to be addressed. They will examine and determine if any issues need to be addressed. Further, if your child is choking on their food more often than normal, this can be a sign of jaw problems or teeth misalignment. 

2. Crooked or Misaligned Teeth

Time is a crucial factor when misaligned teeth are involved. You’d want to see a dentist immediately once you notice that your child suffers from misaligned or crooked teeth.  It might indicate that you have dental issues that need to be treated. They will be able to examine your child’s teeth and determine if any treatment is necessary. For such cases, braces may be recommended to straighten their smile. 

3. Bad Breath

Bad breath indicates gum disease or tooth decay, either way, it’s never a good sign. Your pedodontist in Orange County will inspect your child’s mouth and determine what’s causing the foul breath. Bad breath can also be caused by inadequate dental hygiene. Further, if your child complains about pain while brushing his teeth, it can signify gingivitis. 

4. Mouth Sores and Swelling

If you notice some sores and swelling inside your child’s mouth, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. This could fall into an infection or another severe dental issue. You can count on experts to run a thorough assessment of your child’s mouth to accurately determine the cause of the sore or swelling. In some cases, a biopsy is needed to rule out cancer.

5. Frequent Headaches

Regular headaches on children may be caused by teeth grinding or TMJ. An experienced pediatric dentist may evaluate your child’s mouth and assess whether or not treatment is required. 

A mouth guard may be prescribed by your dentist, if the headaches are indeed caused by teeth grinding. If the pain persists due to TMJ, treatment may be necessary to fix the misalignment of the patient’s jaw. Check here for further information. 

6. Discolored or Stained Teeth

Stained or discolored teeth is naturally a sign of poor dental health. In many cases, teeth whitening is an effective solution. Your dentist will not only resolve the problem but also provide tips so the problem doesn’t recur. 

Notice these signs on your child? Book a dentist appointment with your trusted pedodontist right away. Early intervention makes a huge difference as it prevents making the situation worse. Going to your pedodontist also teaches you how to properly care for your child’s oral health.