Signs It’s Time to Visit a Children’s Dentist

It’s never too early to start taking care of your child’s oral health. The first visit should be as soon as the first tooth erupts, and it’s important to make sure they see a dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and check-ups. However, you might need to visit a pediatric dentist for other reasons.

If there are signs of tooth decay or oral disease, it’s best to have them checked out by a children’s dentist so they can prevent any further damage. Here are some signs you need to schedule a dental appointment.

1. Signs of New Teeth

It’s perfectly normal for your baby to have a few baby teeth come in before their first birthday. However, it’s important to watch out for any additional teeth erupting during the first year. If these tooth buds remain bright white or otherwise show no signs of decay or disease, then you can start brushing them when they break through the gums in a few months.

2. Teething Pain

Teething is a normal part of childhood development that’s characterized by irritated gums and excess drooling. However, if you notice your baby displaying signs of severe discomfort while teething, it may be time to visit a children’s dentist for some relief.

3. Visible Tooth Decay

Cavities can develop on any tooth at any age, but children might be more susceptible to developing cavities due to certain habits. If your child already has tooth decay or signs of worsening, they should see a children’s dentist right away. Tooth decay left untreated can cause major issues with their overall oral health and make it difficult to chew foods without pain.

4. Bad Breath

Bad breath is often the first sign that there are problems in the mouth that need addressing. However, this doesn’t mean that bad breath is always due to an oral health issue. Sometimes children develop chronic bad breath if their noses are stuffed up from allergies, illnesses, or colds. If you notice any other symptoms along with the bad breath, such as bleeding gums or unexplained discomfort while chewing or swallowing foods, then it might be time to make a trip to the dentist for kids.

5. Drooling

Drooling is completely normal for infants and toddlers, but not all drool is created equal. If your child drools excessively or if there are other signs of oral discomfort, then it might be time to visit a children’s dentist before any further issues arise. Sometimes excessive drooling can lead to sugar forming on their gums that cause cavities, so this isn’t something you should ignore.

6. Mouth Injuries

If your child has been in an accident that left them with a broken jaw, facial wounds, knocked out teeth, or bleeding gums, then it’s important that you take them to see a kids dentist right away. If these injuries are left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. It’s thus important that you visit them as soon as possible.

7. Teeth Growing in Unnatural Positions

If you notice that your child’s teeth are growing crooked or at strange angles, then it might be time to schedule their first dental appointment. If this is the case, they may need braces to help align their teeth before further damage occurs.

8. Swollen or Bleeding Gums

If your child’s gums are swollen, or you notice that they have any gum sores, then it’s time to visit a dentist right away. The same goes if their gums ever bleed when brushing their teeth or while eating — this is not normal and could be due to an underlying medical condition.

9. Early Childhood Caries

Early childhood caries can develop in children before they turn five years old and are often caused by a baby bottle filled with sugary fluids being left in their mouths while they sleep. This should be monitored closely due to how quickly this type of decay can spread throughout the entire mouth.

If your child is starting to show any of these symptoms, then it’s time for them to schedule an appointment with their dentist today. If you have any other questions or concerns, please talk to Jacaranda Smiles at the first available opportunity.