Common Dental Issues We See

Did you know you should make a dentist appointment at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for your child by their first birthday and every six months thereafter for a routine checkup and cleaning? Early prevention and treatment can help your child avoid the most common dental issues that pediatric dentists encounter. With a focus on quality dental care in a positive environment (see our video link on our home page), Dr. Lindsay’s goal is to combat the following most common problems:

Tooth Decay and Cavities

The most common dental problem in children is tooth decay. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of five children between the ages of five and eleven have at least one tooth with a cavity.

Fortunately, tooth decay can be prevented with good dental hygiene habits like brushing and flossing. Also, good eating habits – limiting sugary foods and eating healthy – can prevent childhood tooth extraction.

Dental Problems with Baby Teeth

When the child’s baby teeth fail to loosen and fall out, it could be due to infection, misalignment of the jaw, obstruction, damage to the permanent tooth or oral pathology. Left untreated, over-retained baby teeth can lead to decay and other chronic dental problems.

Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking has a calming effect on babies. Over time, the habit could begin to affect the palate—roof of the mouth—and how the teeth line up, depending on the duration and intensity of the habit.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends intervention only after age 5. Recommended treatments include positive reinforcement and recognizing what triggers the habit. Your Ponte Vedra dentist can help with a friendly chat about why it is important to stop thumb sucking.

Halitosis (Bad Breath)

A child with chronic bad breath may be suffering from a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria feeds on leftover food, resulting in plaque that causes mouth odor. Also, halitosis can be a result of medications that cause dry mouth, digestive problems, or caused by poor dental hygiene.

Again, regular dental visits to Dr. Lindsay at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics with good dental hygiene in between visits can prevent embarrassing bad breath.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

This is a common problem among children. Bruxism is due to many different factors. The most common causes are misaligned teeth, pain response, or as a result of stress. While bruxism usually does not require treatment, if it continues, you may see significant wear on both baby (primary) and permanent teeth. The child may be experiencing jaw pain, headaches and tooth sensitivity.

If necessary, we can treat the problem with a night guard to buffer nighttime teeth grinding. Again, teeth misalignment might require fitting of braces. Also, orthodontic treatment at Ponte Vedra Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can correct misaligned teeth with braces and baby teeth extraction to make room for healthy adult teeth.

Periodontal Disease (Gingivitis)

Although milder in children than in adults, periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that undermines the supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by buildup of plaque that can harden to tartar. Early treatment and good dental hygiene habits can prevent gum disease from worsening.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Schedule an appointment with us for regular checkups and for any dental concerns you may have for your child. Contact us at (904) 373-5120 or leave us a message online.