Young children may not be able to articulate what they’re feeling or the issues they’re having with their mouths and teeth. That’s why, as a parent, you’ll have to look out for certain signs that may indicate your child has a dental problem and should see a pediatric dentist. With this in mind, we at Smile Reef would like to discuss the signs that indicate your child is experiencing teeth problems.
Waking Frequently
If your child is having more trouble than usual sleeping or seems tired and sluggish throughout the day, a toothache may be to blame. A toothache often happens after an injury to the tooth, such as a cavity. It can make it uncomfortable to relax and sleep in certain positions, like on their sides.
Loss of Appetite or Food Aversions
One of the most prominent signs that your child may be experiencing dental discomfort is shying away from or crying when offered their favorite foods or drinks. A damaged tooth can become sensitive to hot or cold foods. Take a peek inside your child’s mouth to check for discoloration of their teeth or gums, and contact Pediatric Dentistry as soon as possible.
Swollen Gums
Healthy gums should be pink, so if your little one’s gums become dark red and swollen, that can be a sign of an underlying tooth infection. Even if there isn’t a tooth infection, there could be bacterial or fungal infections of the gum tissue that could still cause problems and discomfort in the mouth. With a gentle dental cleaning, we can help treat your child’s oral infection.
Bad Breath
Occasional bad breath is perfectly normal and common—for children and adults. But, persistent periods of foul-smelling breath can be a sign that there is an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. High levels of microbes can lead to infections of the gum tissue or dental decay. You may need to consult your pediatric dentist to tell the difference between normal bad breath and symptoms that could result in something more serious.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth decay can deteriorate the outer layer of enamel, changing the color of the tooth over time. Look for dark pits on the surface of your child’s teeth or darker shades of enamel compared to neighboring teeth. The best time to check for these signs of infection is right before they brush their teeth.
Swollen Jaw or Neck
Teeth are connected to the jaws and neck through a network of nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. If there is an infection in one or more teeth, it can lead to symptoms nearby. If your child’s neck or jaw appears swollen or redder than normal, that could indicate the need for a checkup at the dentist. Oral infections are serious dental problems that should be handled right away.
Pediatric Dentistry
Remember that prevention is key when it comes to your child’s dental health. Encourage good oral hygiene habits early on, such as regular brushing and flossing, and limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist can also help catch any issues early on and prevent them from becoming more serious. Call Smile Reef today to schedule your child’s next dental appointment and let us help you with maintain your child’s healthy oral care.
