Top 5 Signs That Your Child Needs to See His Dentist ASAP

Needless to say, your child’s oral health plays a crucial role in their overall wellness. The experts at 7 Day Dental explain that in between check-ups, it may be necessary for you to present to the dental office for an examination of your child’s teeth. However, there are signs that you need to look out for so you know when your child needs to see his dentist in between regular check-up appointments. 

Dental specialists say that parents should regularly check inside their children’s mouths.  This means they need to  actively participate in helping their child to brush and floss. Kids often lack the dexterity yet to adequately brush and floss on their own.

 

How to Tell if Your Child Needs to Visit Their Dentist

1. Toothaches & Pain

Perhaps one of the most obvious signs of oral health problems is mouth or tooth pain. Be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Pain is your body’s way of communicating something may be wrong, and the sooner a dentist can examine your child, the sooner the condition can be assessed and addressed if needed.

2. White or Brown Spots in the Teeth

If you’ve recently noticed chalky or white spots on your child’s teeth, this may be due to a cavity beginning to develop. If you see a tooth that is turning brown or black or has broken fragments, call to have your child seen by the  pedodontist in Orange County as soon as possible. Tooth decay is notorious for progressing quickly, so if you see any discoloration, it’s best to seek help immediately. 

3. Sensitivity to Temperature

If ice cream or hot chocolate causes dental pain to a child, this is an obvious sign of developing cavities. It’s important to get your child examined and assessed by a dentist before the pain gets worse. 

4. Irritated Gums 

If you hear your child complaining about some discomfort when they brush their teeth or their gums have become red, swollen, or bleeding, this needs to be checked by their dentist right away. Irritated gums may indicate gingivitis, or other health care concerns. 

5. Problems or Delays With Adult Teeth Breaking Through Gums

Some kids don’t immediately lose their baby teeth, even after their adult teeth start to grow. If the adult tooth was not able to force out the baby tooth, a dentist might need to assess and sometimes intervene. 

There are cases where the permanent tooth or teeth may come in extremely crooked or with other concerns. If this is the case for your child, you can trust their dentist to  examine and assess and may recommend your child see an orthodontist in the future. Find out more. 

6. Loose or Wiggly Teeth

Your kids will eventually lose their baby teeth and begin to grow their adult teeth. So, losing baby teeth is part of a child’s growing up and this process can occur from approximately 6 years old to 12 years old.

On the other hand, if their permanent teeth become wiggly, loose, or injured, see their dentist at once so they can fix the problem and prevent tooth loss. 

Dental experts recommend parents to schedule dental check ups for their kids every six months. Doing so ensures early diagnosis of gum disease or dental caries, or any other oral health condition that may be difficult to spot. Keep in mind that excellent care, proper diet, and great oral hygiene habits at a young age offers lasting benefits into adulthood.