BECAUSE PREVENTION IS such a major part of good dental care at any age, it’s critical to take advantage of our pediatric dentistry services. In most cases, two regular dental cleanings a year will be all your child needs, but not always. So what are the signs that you shouldn’t wait until your child’s next scheduled appointment to come back to the Morristown dentist? For this blog post, we’ve listed the top five.
1. Aches of Any Kind
If your child is experiencing tooth pain, that could mean a cavity has gotten to the point where the dental pulp is getting infected. Don’t assume it’ll just go away on its own. Other types of pain pediatric dentistry might be able to address are an aching jaw and frequent headaches. These are often connected to oral health issues such as bruxism (teeth-grinding), and the Morristown dentist can help!
2. Mouth Sores and Bleeding Gums
Mouth sores usually go away on their own, but they can also be a sign of infection or disease, so it’s important to get those looked at when they appear. If you notice that your child is bleeding after brushing or flossing, it’s time to come see the dentist, particularly if they’re already using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Bleeding gums are one of the first symptoms of gum disease, so don’t ignore the signs!
3. Previous Dental Work
If your child had dental work done in the past and there’s a problem with it now, don’t wait until a regular appointment to get that fixed, because it will likely get worse. A cracked or chipped crown needs to be repaired quickly so that infection doesn’t set in. Worn-out fillings need to be replaced to prevent bacteria from thriving in the gaps between the tooth and the filling.
4. Serious Medical Concerns
Serious conditions such as diabetes, eating disorders, and gum disease affect our oral health more than we realize, and sometimes the treatments have negative impacts too. Many medications cause dry mouth, which can seriously jeopardize oral health. That’s why if your child is diagnosed with a chronic disease and/or has new medications prescribed to them, Rangel Dental needs to know about it.
5. Bad Breath
Few things are as mortifying as being in a social situation and realizing you have bad breath, but did you know that bad breath is sometimes a symptom of gum disease or other health problems? If you find that your child’s breath remains stubbornly bad even with a good oral hygiene routine, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist so we can discover the underlying cause.
Keep Up Their Regular Visits to the Morristown Dentist!
While we hope you bring your child to see their Morristown dentist right away if you notice any of these signs, we want to reemphasize the importance of scheduling regular appointments. Most dental health problems appear gradually, and an appointment every six months is enough to catch these problems before they become serious. You can learn more about us by checking our business page, and make sure to get directions before heading our way.