It can be tough to determine when your children need to see the dentist, so our team at Sycamore Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry wants to provide you with some guidelines to keep you on track! We’re going to cover five signs that your child may need a checkup sooner rather than later with Dr. Sarah and Dr. Peter.
1) Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
- If your child complains of a toothache or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, this is a pretty clear sign that something may be wrong. Tooth pain can stem from cavities, gum infections, or even unseen teeth grinding at night.
- Sensitivity could indicate weakened enamel or an early-stage cavity. Even if they say the pain comes and goes, it’s best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah, our dentist, to pinpoint the cause and provide the right treatment, since it might not be plainly visible.
2) Bleeding or Swollen Gums
- Healthy gums should be pink and firm, so if you notice your child’s gums are red, swollen, or bleeding during brushing and flossing, it could be an early sign of gum disease (gingivitis).
- Many things can contribute to gum irritation, like oral hygiene, plaque buildup, or even brushing too hard. A dental checkup will allow us to assess the situation, provide a gentle cleaning, and give you and your child a game plan on how to keep their gums healthy.
3) Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away
- Occasional bad breath is normal for everybody, especially in the morning or after certain foods, but persistent bad breath (halitosis) could signal underlying dental issues. Cavities, plaque buildup, and gum infections all commonly contribute to chronic bad breath.
- If regular brushing and flossing don’t seem to help, a checkup can identify any hidden problems using our diagnostic tools and help freshen up your child’s smile.
4) Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
- If you’ve noticed your child avoiding certain foods, chewing on only one side of their mouth, or having difficulty pronouncing certain words, these could be signs of an alignment issue, a cavity, or a problem with their bite.
- Early detection can prevent greater orthodontic problems down the line. If your child is struggling with chewing or speaking, a dental checkup can help determine the best course of action. The good news is that Dr. Peter is our very own orthodontist at Sycamore Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, so you won’t have to search elsewhere for treatment!
5) White or Dark Spots on Teeth
- Discoloration or spots on your child’s teeth could be early signs of decay or enamel demineralization. White spots often indicate the beginning of a cavity, while dark or brown spots could mean decay has already set in.
- The sooner Dr. Sarah detects and treats these spots, the better the chances of preventing further damage. We may opt for a restorative treatment like a filling or a crown.
The Six Month Rule
It’s important for all parents to know that even if these symptoms aren’t presenting themselves, it’s still ideal to visit our Sycamore Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry every six months for a thorough cleaning, cavity screening, and preventive care.
Think of it this way: The more often your child is exposed to our team and our office, the more comfortable they will become—and it will hopefully help reinforce good oral hygiene habits, too. It also allows us to catch small issues before they develop into more serious trouble.
Helping to Ease Anxiety
Our team works very hard to put your child at ease during their visits, but it’s perfectly natural for some children (and adults!) to experience nervousness before a dental appointment. Here are a few additional tools you can try to keep things comfortable:
- Talk Positively About the Dentist: Explain that dental visits help keep their teeth strong, just like exercise and good food keeps their body healthy. The dentist is a special helper to keep their teeth happy.
- Read Books or Watch Videos About Dental Visits: Fun stories or cartoons can ease anxiety. Many kids’ television series have episodes dedicated to dental visits (some more realistic than others).
- Practice Brushing and Flossing Together: Reinforce good habits by making oral care a family activity.
- Bring a Comfort Item: A favorite stuffed animal or toy can go a long way in helping your child feel better in the dentist’s chair.
Time After Time
Finally, we want to encourage you to reach out to us if you’re ever curious about whether or not to make an appointment. In many cases, we will prefer to be able to look at your child’s teeth in person for the sake of absolute clarity. We look forward to seeing you soon in our Sycamore office!