3 Signs Your Child is Overdue For a Dental Appointment
More than 40% of children have dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten. And as if that’s not bad enough, wait until you hear this: children with poor oral health are a whopping three times more likely to miss school as a result of dental pain. Of course, it’s not always easy to determine when your child’s dental health may need some extra care. Pain is a serious sign that something is wrong, but there are often several that come first. Here are some pediatric dental care signs and symptoms that often mean your child is overdue for an appointment with pediatric or family dentists.
White or brown spots on the teeth
Even if your child isn’t experiencing dental pain, white and brown spots can also be a sign that trouble is coming. The spots typically appear chalky and may turn black if not treated. This is one of the main signs that a dental cavity is beginning to form. This issue should be addressed regardless, but if you notice darkening of the area or broken tooth fragments, visit an emergency dentist immediately.
Gum irritation
Gum irritation is another common symptom that your child is overdue for a dental appointment. If your child ever complains of gum pain after brushing, or their gums appear swollen, red, or bleeding, make a dentist appointment as soon as possible. This is the most common symptom of gingivitis, which will only worsen if not treated sufficiently.
Teeth sensitivity
Finally, general teeth sensitivity is another common sign of an overdue dentist appointment. The most common type of sensitivity is temperature sensitivity, which causes pain and discomfort when eating or drinking hot and cold foods and beverages. If your child often communicates their dental discomfort after a meal, take it seriously and make an appointment with their dentist right away.
Overall, 42% of children aged two to 11 have had cavities in their primary teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. But knowing when your child needs to go to a dentist for kids can help to solve these issues before they cause cavities and other damage. For more information about family dentists, contact Hudson Family Dental.
Levi Armstrong
It’s good to know that I should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible is I notice that my child’s gum is swollen or bleeding when they brush their teeth. My daughter, who’s seven-years-old, told me this morning that there was blood on her spit after she brushed her teeth. I didn’t think much about it because I thought it was only caused by rough tooth brushing. Now that I know that it’s a symptom of gingivitis, I’ll take her to a reputable pediatric dentist tomorrow. Thanks!