The Most Common Youth Dental Problems

A variety of problems can have an impact on the dental health of youth

. Common problems that children experience with their teeth include childhood caries, tooth decay, and premature tooth loss. It is important to take care of a childs baby teeth because those initial teeth are vital to a young persons overall health and well-being.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Babies can have dental problems from a condition known as baby bottle tooth decay or childhood caries. It is occurs when sugar from milk, juice, formula, or breast milk accumulate in the mouth. Bacteria then feeds on the sugar causing tooth decay.

This condition can make it hard for a baby to eat. The pain from decaying teeth can make it difficult for a little one to chew. It can also cause an abscessed tooth or an infection that could spread to other places in the body. One way to prevent tooth decay in babies is to wipe their teeth with a wet cloth after feedings.

Cavities

Cavities are among the most common dental problems among youth. They occur when starch and sugar from foods such as candy, fruit juices, or soda sit on the teeth. Bacteria inside the mouth convert the sugar and starch into acid. The acid along with food, saliva, and bacteria create plaque on the teeth. The plaque gradually eats away at the enamel of the teeth and causes cavities.

The best way to prevent cavities is to brush a childs teeth at least two times a day. It is also important to brush the mouth and gums to help get rid of disease causing bacteria. Parents can start flossing their childrens teeth when they are two years old. Limiting a childs intake of sweets can also help prevent tooth decay.

Premature Tooth Loss

Children who have cavities or certain injuries are at risk for premature tooth loss. This can put them at risk for dental problems later in life. The baby teeth reserve space for the permanent teeth. If the baby teeth are lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth may shift around to fill in the gap.

As a result, the permanent teeth may not be able to grow into their proper place. This can cause the permanent teeth to grow in crookedly or out of place. Children who have misaligned teeth may have a hard time chewing properly. This can cause problems with the temporomandibular joint.

Dentists sometimes recommend a space maintainer for children who have lost a tooth prematurely. This device will prevent other teeth from shifting into the space where the missing tooth was. The dentist will remove the space maintainer when the permanent teeth start to appear.

by: Peter Wendt

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