Your child encountering dental issues can be a scary experience. At Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we strive to prepare our patients for the unexpected by sharing potential risks before they happen. Our team is here to cover common dental problems and their solutions, tips to maintain your child’s smile, and the support of our team!
Cavities
Causes
A cavity refers to a damaged tooth with holes that form on the teeth’s surface, leading to tooth decay. They can be caused by overeating sugary foods, poor teeth cleaning, and bacteria buildup. As bacteria and plaque eat away at your child’s teeth, the outer protective surface of their teeth, known as their enamel, becomes exposed. This exposure increases their chance of the issue worsening and potentially necessitating tooth extraction.
Treating the Issue
The earlier cavities are detected, the more straightforward treatment can be. Suppose your child has a cavity with minor tooth decay. In that case, we can remove the decayed section of the tooth and fill it with a tooth-colored composite material, allowing them to maintain the aesthetics of their smile.
If your child’s cavity has more severe decay and is unable to be repaired, their tooth may additionally require a crown. This more extensive procedure covers and strengthens the tooth’s enamel from further damage.
Overcrowding
Causes
As your child’s teeth grow in, you may notice certain teeth growing over or behind each other to make space. This common dental issue is known as overcrowding. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics. A small jaw can be passed down, leaving insufficient space and impacting future teeth. Additionally, overcrowding can be the result of prolonged thumb-sucking or excess teeth.
Treating the Issue
At Topsmiles, we strive to use the least invasive procedures first. If your child suffers from overcrowding, our dentists will start with space maintainers. These small metal appliances leave space open for permanent teeth to grow in and attach to the next tooth. They appear similar to a retainer and do not interfere with their smile’s appearance.
If your child has excess teeth, we may need to extract one or two to allow space after their baby teeth fall out and the permanent teeth grow in properly. Our team can perform general extractions with anesthesia so they won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Causes
Chipped or cracked teeth are among the most common dental problems Topsmiles treats. They can be caused by a direct injury on the sports field or by simply biting into an extra tough piece of food. Additionally, habits such as teeth grinding can chip away at their teeth.
Treating the Issue
We can provide a few treatments for your child, including fillings and crowns. If the damage to their teeth is minor, our team can use a sealant to replace the missing area of their teeth. If a significant amount is cracked, we can use a crown to restore the area and protect it from further damage. Our team can advise which is most suitable for your child’s case.
We Are Here To Help!
If your child experiences any of the above dental issues and you are unsure how to handle the situation, don’t hesitate to let our team know so we can assist. Our top priority is your child’s comfort and helping their teeth return to normal. We will happily assist you in scheduling an emergency appointment as soon as possible.
At your child’s next appointment, Drs. Alvaro Salles, Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Mitch Vodrey can walk you through temporary at-home remedies so you feel more prepared in the case of a similar incident.
Tips For Maintaining Your Child’s Dental Health
Maintain an Oral Care Routine
As a parent, you want to protect your child’s dental health and do what you can to prevent problems. To do so, we recommend instilling a regular oral hygiene routine early to help teach them the importance of keeping their teeth clean.
Brushing teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily will protect your child from tooth decay, developing cavities, and enamel breakdown. These simple acts have the power to maintain their long-term health and ensure the functionality of their original teeth.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is one of the best natural ways to clean teeth throughout the day. Like your child’s toothpaste, water contains the helpful mineral fluoride, which combats tooth decay, cavities, and bacteria. Drinking water during the day even dilutes the acids created in your mouth from sugary foods, preventing cavities. Keeping a bottle with your child during the day will strengthen your teeth and benefit your general health.
Eat Sugar In Small Amounts
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a sugary food or drink every now and then. Cake, ice cream, candies, and the like are great at celebrations or as pick-me-ups. However, if your child overeats sugary foods, it can adversely affect their overall dental health. They may not feel anything is wrong initially, but complications can start inside the teeth and become more severe before making themselves known.
Using a Mouthguard
If your child is involved with sports or is particularly active, they may benefit from wearing a mouthguard to protect their teeth from related injuries. Typically contact-sports related, mouthguards act as a protective barrier by taking the blow from a fall or hit before their teeth suffer. You can count on them to save your child from unnecessary dental work in the future and preserve their permanent teeth.
Help Protect Your Child’s Teeth!
Whenever you have questions about your child’s dental health, you can rely on the Topsmiles team to provide the answers and high-quality resources you seek. We provide dental services at our two Winnipeg practices and proudly serve the surrounding communities. Schedule an appointment with us today and protect your child’s teeth!