Dental Problems That Would Prompt a Visit to a Kid Friendly Dentist in Killeen

A kid-friendly dentist in Killeen deals with many dental problems daily. Sometimes, these problems are not always the result of negligence in terms of oral hygiene – they just happen. However, as a parent, it is not necessary to panic if a child seems to have developed a dental problem overnight. The kid-friendly dentist in Killeen has the training and expertise to treat the child's dental issues quickly and comfortably to restore oral health.

Dental problems in kids

The following are oral issues that would necessitate a visit to a kid-friendly dentist.

Tooth decay

According to the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is one of the most common oral diseases among children in the United States. Neglecting to treat tooth decay in kids can cause issues like pain, infection, difficulty chewing and speaking. Tooth decay starts as a plaque (sticky bacteria film) on the teeth. As the plaque accumulates, it releases acids that destroy the tooth enamel.

Parents can prevent this condition by taking oral hygiene and regular dental appointments seriously. The kid-friendly dentist can detect tooth decay in its early stages when it is easier to treat. For tooth cavities, the dentist will remove the decay and use a tooth-colored dental filling to restore the child’s tooth. To prevent future occurrence and protect the teeth, they may offer preventive treatments like dental sealants or fluoride treatments.

Sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth in children could be the result of tooth decay, brushing too hard or from an injury that exposes the tooth nerves. Once a child starts complaining of pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sugary foods, they may be dealing with teeth sensitivity and a trip to a kid-friendly dentist is necessary. To treat the condition, the dentist will examine the child’s teeth to determine the underlying cause. If it is a case of decay or injury, they will repair the tooth. Sometimes, a sealant can fortify the thin enamel and minimize sensitivity.

A damaged or loose tooth

A child’s tooth may loosen in preparation for the permanent tooth. However, if the tooth is loose due to an injury, decay or damage and it seems like it will fall out prematurely, then they need to visit the kid-friendly dentist. Losing a baby tooth prematurely can cause other issues like tooth crowding, which is why the dentist will try as much as possible to save a damaged baby tooth. If the tooth is dead or infected, a root canal treatment and dental crown may be recommended. If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may use a space maintainer to save that gap for incoming permanent teeth.

Gum disease

Gum disease is caused by plaque accumulation (poor oral hygiene) and may lead to gum swelling or inflammation. If left untreated, it may cause damage to the bones supporting the teeth and may cause tooth loss. In its early stages, called gingivitis, a kid-friendly dentist can reverse it through a dental cleaning and good oral care routine at home.

In conclusion

Most of the common dental problems that prompt a visit to the kid-friendly dentist can be prevented through routine oral care. Ensure that an appointment is booked with the dentist immediately if anything abnormal is noticed. 

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