
Personalized care for a healthy smile!
PeDiatric Dentistry
COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS
Tooth Decay
Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. Caries can negatively impact your quality of life causing pain, difficulty eating/drinking, and/or infection that can fatal. Caries occurs due to acids destroying the teeth’s enamel. Acids form when your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches, sugars, and bacteria. To help prevent tooth decay from occurring it is important to practice proper oral care.
Sensitive Teeth
Teeth sensitivity occurs when the interior of the tooth and nerve endings are exposed. Usually this occurs if the enamel on the teeth is worn down, there are microscopic cracks in the teeth, and the gums recede. Teeth expand and contract due to changes in temperature. Those with sensitive teeth experience pain or irritation when their teeth is exposed to hot or cold foods and beverages.
Gum Disease
Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums may bleed during the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) and progress to a more serious condition, periodontitis. At that stage, your child’s teeth may fall our or need to be extracted. A sign that your child may have gum disease is consistent bad breath or if they complain about a bad taste in their mouth. This is a preventable problem and can be avoided through daily brushing and flossing.
Canker Sores
Canker sores, or apthous ulcers, are small sores that occur inside the mouth. They heal on their own in a week or two. These small ulcers have a white/gray base and are surrounded by a red border. They can make eating very uncomfortable. Avoid salty, spicy, acidic foods to decrease irritation and consult with our dentist regarding other possible treatment.
Common Orthodontic Problems
Diastemas
A diastema, or spacing between teeth, may be natural or caused by small teeth or missing teeth. Diastemas may be an esthetic issue.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient space for eruption.
Underbite
An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
Openbite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not overlap. This type of bite can impact proper chewing. Open bites are often acquired finger or thumb sucking habits for an extended period of time.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Upper front teeth protrusion occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward. This type of bite impacts the appearance and function of your teeth.