| Signs of Poor Oral Health in Your Child Auburn |
Good oral health is important for the overall wellbeing of a child. However, even with significant efforts taken to emphasize the importance, improper oral care still poses a major health threat to several children. As parents it is first important to understand the role deciduous (baby) teeth play for a growing child. Deciduous teeth help in correct chewing of food and facilitate the development of the jaw bones. They also give space for the eruption of adult teeth and also play a major role in speech development. So how can you help your child have good oral health? The key is early detection. Here is a simple check list that you can conduct yourself to help identify if your child is suffering from poor oral health.
1. Gums start to bleed while brushing teeth or any other time.
2. Appearance of white lines or spots just along the teeth below the gums. These can be the earliest signs of tooth decay and it is advised to seek immediate dental care.
3. Appearance of brown spots and cavities. This is a sign of more advanced tooth decay.
4. Gums seem puffy, red and swollen.
5. Unusual recession in the gums. Check if the gums have moved away from the teeth, at times even revealing the roots.
6. Your child has difficulty in chewing food. This also leads to poor weight gain.
7. Last but not least, never neglect bad breath. If your child continuously suffers from bad breath that does not reduce with brushing and cleansing, it can be a threat to your child’s oral health.
If any of the above signs are observed, please seek professional dental care. If neglected, not only can there can be considerable monetary costs, but will also result in extreme pain and spread of infection in your child. Furthermore, your child will also be at risk of dental decay in permanent teeth.
Oral health is imperative for your child’s self-esteem. Introduce and practice good oral hygiene at a very young age. Studies reveal that children who maintain good oral health habits from early ages, have a higher probability to continue brushing and flossing than children who were not introduced to correct oral care.
Your baby’s first birthday is the time for their first visit to the dentist. Make sure you visit the dentist every six months thereafter. In the meantime, keep a close eye on your child’s teeth and gums. Lift your child’s upper lip at least once a month to observe any of the above symptoms.
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