Diseases of the Teeth and Gums That You Should Be Aware Of
Does your child grind his or her teeth? This is a condition known as bruxism and can be damaging to your teeth if done regularly. There are a number of medical reasons why people do this and it may also be associated with anxiety and stress. Gun disease is another condition that can be harmful. If you suspect your child grinds his or her teeth or shows signs of gum disease, it it time to see a dentist. When it comes to childrens dentistry, many advances have been made over the years. The dentist can make recommendations to halt the damage and possibly even reverse it.
Bruxism occurs most frequently while children are asleep. The child may not even realize he or she is doing this. If your child is complaining of a sore jaw or frequently suffers from dull, constant headaches, contact a dentist. Over time, if bruxism is not stopped, the teeth may be damaged. Dental work will be needed to correct the damage. Your child’s dentist may find that the problem is due to missing or crooked teeth or it may be a result of an abnormal bite. When this is the case, a mouth guard is of great help in protecting the teeth.
Gum disease, if left untreated for a long period of time, can lead to the loss of teeth. Also known as gingivitis, this condition begins when bacteria grows in the mouth. If your child has poor oral hygiene or you have a history of dental disease in your family, he or she is more at risk. The same is true if your child is going through puberty. When your child has bad breath or complains of a bad taste in the mouth, this may be a sign of gum disease. The same is true if he or she notices gums that bleed while brushing the teeth.
Your child should have dental checkups a minimum of twice a year. During this checkup the dentist will look for signs of bruxism and gum disease among other things. Once the teeth are lost, they are gone forever. Give your child a good start in life by teaching him or her how to properly care for the teeth and gums. They are designed to last a lifetime and with proper care will do so.
