If not prevented, dental issues can affect your child’s oral health well into adulthood. With that in mind, Oahu Dental Care advises parents to learn about the potential dental problems children can encounter. Relying on the expertise of Oahu’s leading dentist, Dr. Dayton Q.L. Lum, the dental clinic offers the best general and cosmetic dentistry solutions to its clients in Pearl City and Honolulu, HI.

Below, Oahu Dental Care lists five common dental issues that children are susceptible to and how to prevent them:

5 Common Childhood Dental Issues Dentists Warn Parents About

Periodontal Disease

When not brushed properly, teeth develop a layer of germs called plaque, which can lead to inflamed gums, a damaged jaw bone, and loose teeth. These are the earliest symptoms of gum disease, and if not handled in time, this dental issue can result in tooth loss. The best way to prevent this problem is to make sure your child brushes and flosses their teeth every day.

Decaying Teeth

Decaying teeth can make chewing and biting painful for younger children. In many children, tooth decay is caused by prolonged bottle-feeding, which deposits sugars from milk in your child’s mouth. Other cases stem from not brushing your child’s teeth after exposure to sugary and acidic foods, causing tartar formation that then leads to tooth decay.

Cavities

Although caused by the same bacteria as tooth decay, cavities indicate that the disease has advanced much further. At the earliest onset of cavities, the dentist will recommend using a filling to replace the missing enamel. However, if the damage is beyond repair, they might suggest tooth extraction to stop the disease from spreading further.

Chipped Teeth

If your child is actively involved in sports, there’s a good chance they will get their teeth bumped or chipped at some point. Anytime your child has a bumped tooth, have them checked by Oahu’s top dentist right away to detect any internal fractures. To prevent this issue altogether, Oahu Dental Care recommends getting a mouthguard for your child to wear during practice and games.

Mouth Ulcers

Caused by a virus, mouth ulcers are painful sores that make it difficult for children to chew their food comfortably. They usually occur in the inner parts of lips and cheeks and can be accompanied by fever. While they disappear on their own over time, regular brushing and mouthwash help keep these wounds clean and speed up the healing process.

By providing these insights into common childhood dental issues, Oahu Dental Care aims to educate parents about the importance of helping their children maintain optimum oral health. Visit their website for further information about their general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. To set up an appointment with the island’s best dentist, call Oahu Dental Care’s Pearl City office at (808) 456-5005 or the Honolulu office at (808) 732-2821.