Seeing a pediatric dentist regularly is important to the health of your child’s smile. But in-between visits things can happen that may require a visit sooner rather than later. At our Long Island pediatric dental office, we want to encourage all parents to schedule an appointment as soon as possible if their child is experiencing any of the following symptoms.
Every child loves digging into a bowl of cold ice cream or sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate. But if they start to avoid some of these hot or cold snacks, they may be suffering from tooth sensitivity. Occasionally this sensitivity may go away on it’s own. Other times, it may be an early sign of tooth decay. It’s best to have your trusted pediatric dentist check it out.
Trauma to children’s teeth happen often. And whether it’s caused by a playground accident or sports injury, it’s important to get the tooth looked at by a dentist. Baby teeth hold the space for permanent adult teeth, aid in proper speech development, and help properly chew food. If one is lost before it’s ready, it could lead to other oral health concerns.
White spots are usually either an early sign of decay or a symptom of too much fluoride (referred to as fluorosis). If the spots are a sign of decay, they will eventually turn yellow or brown as the decay progresses. However, if caught and treated in the early stages the decay can actually be reversed. Your pediatric dentist can help determine the cause of these white spots and the best way to treat them.
If your little one mentions sore or bloody gums after brushing he may be showing initial signs of gingivitis. Like most other dental concerns, gingivitis is treatable if caught early. If left alone, gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease (gum disease). The best way to avoid gingivitis and the more serious gum disease is to ensure your child is brushing properly twice a day.
Toothaches are one of the most common dental problems that affects children and adults alike. However, they’re not to be taken lightly. A toothache is a sign that something isn’t right. Usually that something is a cavity, but it’s still best to see a dentist as soon as you notice the pain and discomfort.
Maintaining your child’s appointments at our pediatric dental office in Long Island can go a long way in keeping any potential problems at bay. After all, preventing any issues in the first place is ideal. But if life gets in the way and your child needs to see a dentist in between regular visits, call to schedule an appointment today.
