Evaluating Your Child For Oral Abnormalities
Posted on: 20 January 2015
The American Dental Association recommends a child's first visit to the dentist take place within six months after the first tooth appears, and no later than his or her first birthday. Regular checkups should be scheduled from there on out to periodically check for cavities and get regular cleanings done. But there is much parents can do before that first visit and in between visits to be on the alert for any oral abnormalities that could spell trouble for their children's teeth.
In general, if any of the following signs of healthy gums and teeth seem to be missing, you should contact your oral healthcare provider as soon as possible:
- Smooth, white, opaque teeth
- Soft, pink, moist tongue and surrounding tissues (under tongue, palate, gums)
- Permanent teeth that are larger than baby teeth
- Facial tissue that is not swollen or tender
Read on for a list of conditions that should prompt you to make a trip to the dentist as soon as possible:
1. Apparent Tooth Decay Or Cavities
In addition to most common contributors of dental cavities--poor diet and dental hygiene--an abnormally high volume of saliva or saliva with an abnormal pH can also lead to cavities in young children. Some medications alter the volume or acidity of an individual's saliva. Parents whose children use a bottle should be especially on the lookout for baby bottle mouth.
Children whose teeth are beginning to show signs of discoloration--dull white coloring along the gum line or yellow, brown, or black coloring anywhere on the tooth--should be seen by a dentist immediately to stop any progression of the tooth decay.
2. Too Many Or Too Few Teeth
Sometimes, children are born with excess teeth. This condition, called hyperdontia, can occur in baby or permanent teeth. Early x-rays can reveal the condition before it becomes a problem. If your child's teeth seem to be coming in late or not falling out at the regular time, you may want to check with your dentist to see if hyperdontia is at fault.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is anodontia, where one or more permanent teeth don't develop. In severe cases, a child may have no teeth develop, but in most cases, only one or a few teeth are missing. Once again, radiology can help diagnose this condition.
3. Gum And Tissue Problems
If you notice any discoloration of the mouth tissues, which range in color from pink to light brown, it could indicate a problem, and you should take your child to the dentist. Swelling, redness, or pain can indicate a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, while bleeding gums may be a sign of the early stages of gingivitis.
4. Fluorosis
In some locations where the water supply is fluoridated, children's teeth can suffer from over-consumption of fluoride. While some fluoride is good for teeth, an excessive amount can cause teeth to discolor, leading to white spots and damaged enamel.
5. Hypocalcification
Hypocalcification, or poor enamel quality, is a genetic condition, but it can also be caused by lifestyle. Children who consume a lot of acidic foods and drinks and have poor dental hygiene habits can suffer from this condition. Poor enamel can lead to excessive dental cavities, mouth pain, and other problems.
6. Abnormal Gum Tissue
Gingival Fibromatosis is a genetic condition where gum tissue overgrows the teeth. If you notice your child's gums seem to be abnormally large or cover more of the tooth than normal, contact your dentist.
For more information, contact a local dental clinic, like Mooresville Dental.
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