Teenagers and Childrens Dental Health Issues
Does your teen have a healthy smile? Do you want to keep it that way? Your children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but almost all kids face common dental problems as they grow up. Many of these problems require professional treatment in order to prevent serious consequences including infection and even tooth loss. Here are a few of the most common dental problems affecting children and teens.
Irregular Tooth Growth and Spacing
It’s not unusual to see teens and adolescents with braces. Orthodontic treatment can correct a wide range of common problems related to irregular tooth growth and spacing; these include crowded teeth, crooked teeth, overbite, under-bite, improper jaw position, and more. If your pediatric dentist feels that braces or other advanced treatments can help your child, he or she will refer you to an orthodontist. Some dentists think that all children should see a specialist for an orthodontic evaluation.
Impacted Third Molars: A Common Kids Teeth Health Issue
Third molars or wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 15 and 25. In some cases, they grow in normally. However, many wisdom teeth become impacted or trapped inside the jaw and cannot erupt properly. Impaction may result in pain, swelling and infection, or even cyst formation inside the jaw. In these cases, the impacted teeth must be extracted by a dentist or an oral surgeon. Surgery to remove third molars usually requires anesthesia, but a full and swift recovery is expected.
Dental Cavities
Cavities are one of the most common childrens dental health problems, and they are mostly preventable. Eating sugary and starchy foods leads to plaque formation on teeth. Plaque bacteria produce acids that eat away at the surface of tooth enamel. As the damage progresses, holes called cavities develop. Oral hygiene practices remove plaque before the process of decay can take hold. To improve your kids teeth health, be sure they brush and floss regularly and keep all dental appointments.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Another childrens dental health problem is gum disease. Mild gum disease is called gingivitis. Symptoms include bleeding gums and slight swelling or redness. At this stage, the damage is often reversible. If untreated, the disease may advance to periodontitis. Pockets of infection form at the gum line, and tooth loss may occur at this stage. Like cavities, gum disease is largely preventable with good oral hygiene and professional dental care.
Children Dental Pennsylvania Resources are Available
If you’re looking for the best dentist Pennsylvania has, children dental Pennsylvania phone directory or online listings can help. Simply type "best dentist Pennsylvania" into your search engine to reveal the top selections, and choose one of the city’s most qualified dentists for your child or teen.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Pennsylvania, make an appointment.
Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Pennsylvania. With 6 affiliated practices throughout Pennsylvania, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania.
