How to Know if Your Child Has a Dental Problem

Nothing can soften the heart of a parent like the smile of their child. But behind that cheerful smile may be something you wouldn’t immediately notice, a dental problem secretly building itself. Unlike adults, children cannot usually tell you exactly what is amiss. That’s why parents must be doubly vigilant for the subtle, often slight, warning signs of dental disease.

How do you know if your kid may need a visit to the dentist? Here are five signs that may indicate there’s more behind that smile than first appears.

Has Your Child Been Complaining About Tooth or Jaw Pain?

Children don’t always complain by saying, “My tooth hurts.” Sometimes it will manifest as refusing to eat, resting or throwing up at night, or reaching for their cheek when they chew. Sensitive teeth may be nothing more than growing pains, but if the pain recurs repeatedly, a closer examination is in order.

Watch for signs such as:

• Holding or rubbing the cheek on one side

• Difficulty chewing on one side

• Sudden aversion to hot or cold foods

• Waking up during the night with no apparent cause

Pain like that may be a sign of a cavity, an early infection, or even a cracked tooth. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the easier and less stressful the procedure will be.

Is There a Persistent Case of Bad Breath?

Morning breath is a common thing in children. But if your child’s breath is bad throughout the day, even immediately after brushing, it may be a cause for concern.

What might be behind it?

• Bacteria buildup

• Untreated cavities

• Gum infection

• Mouth breathing during sleep

Bad breath may appear to be no big deal, but more likely than not, it indicates that something’s amiss in your child’s mouth. A simple check-up will allow you to brush off anything serious.

Do Their Gums Bleed When They Brush or Floss?

Bleeding gums are one of those things parents tend to attribute to brushing too aggressively. But in kids, and particularly those still learning how to brush, it can indicate something more.

Here’s what bleeding gums might indicate:

• Early-stage gum disease (yes, even children can get it!)

• Avoiding flossing or improper brushing

• A lack of essential vitamins like C or K

• Using the wrong kind of toothbrush

When it is caught early, bleeding gums tend to be easy to fix with better brushing skills and a little TLC from a dental professional.

Are Their Teeth Looking Crooked or Overcrowded?

When baby teeth lose their grip and give way to incoming permanent teeth, you may begin to observe things like gaps, overlapping, or a bite that simply feels “off.” Some changes are normal, others may require professional assistance to fix.

Watch for the following signs:

• Trouble closing the mouth all the way

• Teeth appearing to twist or bunch together

• Speech difficulties were not present before

• Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose

Pediatric dentists might employ advanced diagnostic equipment, and in certain instances, dental surgical equipment, to carefully nudge or reposition tooth development. Early treatment can prevent future braces or even a lifetime of jaw problems.

Have Meals Become a Battle?

If your formerly hungry child suddenly begins to turn meals down, it may not be selective eating. Dental pain can manifest in the most unlikely ways, particularly in association with food.

Symptoms may be:

• Avoid crunchy or chewy foods

• Desiring only soft, cold foods such as yogurt or smoothies

• Complaining when chewing hurts

• Getting tired of favorite foods

When eating is an issue, it’s not only about pain; it can also impact your child’s diet and development. The good news is that most dental issues behind these habits are correctable when discovered early.

So, What Should You Do?

First, don’t freak out. Kids’ dental problems are more frequent than you’d imagine, and nine times out of ten, they can be dealt with easily and swiftly.

Here’s what to do:

• Schedule a check-up if you spot something unusual. Pediatric dentists are great at catching signs early on before they escalate into full-blown issues.

• Create a habit. Brushing morning and evening, and daily flossing, is essential, even for toddlers.

• Utilize age-specific tools. A compact mirror and a soft-bristle toothbrush are great places to start.

By knowing what’s normal (and what’s not), you can be the best possible advocate for your child’s health.

Now, most clinics utilize advanced technology and specific dental surgery tools that enhance even complicated procedures, enhance safety, and minimize anxiety, even in the youngest patients.

Why Catching It Early Matters

Minor dental problems can escalate quickly. A small cavity today can become an infection tomorrow. A minor crowding issue today can result in the need for braces in the future. But if you act early, you give your child the best chance for a lifetime of a healthy, confident smile.

From gentle treatments to more intricate procedures, current pediatric dentistry now boasts cutting-edge technologies and surgical dental equipment that was tailor-made for children. And the earlier you act, the less discomfort, as well as the emotional stress that usually accompanies it, you can avoid.

Words by Sara Williams