Pediatric Dental Conditions
At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we specialize in nurturing the smiles of children and enhancing their dental health as they grow.
Don’t delay seeking a healthy smile for your precious little ones. Contact Milestone Kids Dentistry today for high-quality pediatric dental care in the area north of Seattle
Common Dental Problems for Children
Even with a family’s greatest efforts to instill dental hygiene, kids can still suffer from various dental issues. From thumbsucking to tooth decay, we have seen it all!
Our dental team works with you and your child to comfortably and effectively care for their smile needs.
Here are a few of the common dental problems our experts address:
Cavities
Even children with good hygiene occasionally develop cavities. Cavities occur when plaque and bacteria form and spread on the tooth’s exterior. Sometimes, plaque can eat away at the tooth, causing tooth decay, but do not fear it. An early diagnosis and treatment of cavities often prevent future expensive dental work.
Yellow Teeth
Enamel, a thin white layer on the exterior of teeth, serves as the first line of defense for children’s teeth, protecting the inner and more sensitive layers. However, some children have thinner enamel than others. When enamel wears away, the yellow inner layer of the tooth, known as dentin, becomes visible.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or bruxism commonly harms children’s teeth, causing jaw pain, deterioration, and other serious problems. At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we often recommend wearing a fitted mouth guard to protect your child’s teeth from the harsh effects of teeth grinding. Our specialists also recommend orthodontics, stress relief, and other methods to reduce bruxism.
Canker Sores
If you notice small sores forming inside your child’s mouth, on their tongue, or on the interior of their cheeks and lips, they may suffer from canker sores. Canker sores make everyday tasks like brushing teeth, eating, and drinking painful. Contact our caring professionals at Milestone Kids at the sight of canker sores in your child’s mouth.
Sensitive
Teeth
Many kiddos experience tooth sensitivity, which can be caused by various factors such as aggressive tooth brushing, thinning enamel, or chipped teeth. This sensitivity can be exacerbated by consuming hot or cold food and drinks. To alleviate this discomfort, our team at Milestone Kids Dentistry offers a range of solutions, including using a soft-bristled toothbrush, applying sealants, and other forms of treatment to repair and restore comfort to the teeth and mouth.
Halitosis and Bad Breath
While bad breath, also known as halitosis, may not seem like a significant concern, it can be caused by various underlying dental issues such as dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, irritated gums, and even certain genetic disorders.
Over-Retained Primary Teeth
As children grow, their primary teeth usually loosen and fall out to make room for their permanent teeth to come in. However, in some cases, primary teeth may remain in place while the permanent teeth develop, leading to crowding in the mouth. This is known as over-retention of primary teeth, and it can cause dental issues. If necessary, we can refer them to an orthodontist to fix these teeth.
Excessive Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking can lead to crowding issues, especially after a child’s permanent teeth have developed. At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we work with children to find ways to decrease thumb sucking and protect their tooth structures.
Baby Teeth Loss
When children lose their baby teeth early, their permanent teeth may not be ready to erupt. Gaps in the mouth caused by baby teeth loss cause tooth shifting. Discuss your options with our experts to prevent dental issues caused by baby teeth loss.
Gingivitis
Often, gingivitis (gum inflammation) occurs with poor hygiene. Instilling the importance of tooth brushing and flossing can keep children from developing gingivitis. Our caring staff can guide you and your child in proper hygiene habits that reduce the risk of gingivitis, gum disease, and other issues caused by gingivitis.
Dental Anxiety
We know about the fear children exhibit during their first dental visit, and we are here to help. If your child experiences dental anxiety, we are here to help. Talk to us about ways to ease them into dental care.
Chipped Teeth
A chipped tooth may seem like no big deal, but contact Milestone Kids Dentistry for an emergency evaluation the moment your child experiences a chipped tooth. Sometimes, injuries to the teeth caused by sports or a tumble seem small, but they could cause other serious issues.
Crowding
Malocclusion or crowding occurs in many children, sometimes affecting their bite. Orthodontics and other forms of dentistry address the misalignment of the teeth. Early treatment of crowded teeth could reduce the need for future dental and orthodontic treatments.
Missing Teeth
Some children are born with teeth missing. When untreated, missing teeth (hypodontia) cause teeth and jaw underdevelopment. These issues also affect the facial structure. Children with missing teeth should seek dental care as early as possible.
What Can You Do To Ensure Positive Habits/Proper Hygiene?
Providing a proper example of oral hygiene for your children helps them to prioritize good dental habits.
Some of the many ways you can encourage your child to keep their teeth clean include:
- Nutritional education and guidance: limiting sugar, reminding your children to brush after meals, in the mornings, and before bed, etc.
- Monitoring your child as they floss and brush: Show them how to reach corners and crevices properly.
- Help them with flossing.
- Take them to the dentist regularly.
Milestone Kids Dentistry: Trusted Dental Care for Kids
Establishing a solid dental home will ensure a healthy dental future as your child’s teeth develop. The team at Milestone Kids Dentistry know the best ways to treat children’s growing and changing teeth.
Our team provides expert care for children ages 1-18, children with special needs, and children with severe dental issues. We even make special efforts to keep our offices fun and friendly, so your child will look forward to their dental appointments.
As your child grows, they need help maintaining their smile. The dedicated team at Milestone Kids provides guidance and a helping hand to kids throughout the area North of Seattle.
Look no further if you want dentistry in a safe, friendly environment with a highly-trained team that focuses on children’s developing teeth. Contact Milestone Kids Dentistry to schedule an appointment and set the foundation for your child’s dental health.