5 Signs That it May be Time for Your Child to See a Dentist

It’s easy for adults to decide if they need to see a dentist. Whether it’s for your regular checkup, or because you’ve got pain or other symptoms, all you need to do is pick up the phone or book your appointment online. However, with children, it can be more complicated. They won’t necessarily tell you when they have symptoms, so it’s up to you to work out when your child needs to see a dentist like this experienced dentist in Pearland for instance. Here are some common signs to look out for.

When Their First Teeth Come In
You may think it’s silly taking a young baby to the dentist when they just have one or two teeth, but there are several reasons why they should see a dentist before they can even talk. Visiting the dentist from a young age gets them used to these appointments, so by the time they’re toddlers, they know what to expect. A dentist can check whether their teeth are coming in as expected, as well as checking their gums and oral health.

Sensitive Teeth or Toothache
If your child turns down an ice cream or hot chocolate because their teeth are too sensitive, it could be a sign something is wrong. Sensitive teeth can be due to cavities, and may mean your child needs treatment, so speak to a dentist as soon as possible.

Older children will be able to tell you if they have pain in their teeth, while smaller kids may cope with it by biting things or covering their mouth. With children, you simply don’t know whether the pain is minor or not, so it’s important to get it checked out.

Spots on Their Teeth
Brown or white spots can often be a sign of the beginning of tooth decay. While you may not think your child is affected, according to West 85th Dental, around 90% of children have some form of tooth decay. While this may not necessarily lead to cavities, these spots can be a sign that they need a checkup. Your dentist may need to do further checks or recommend products that are designed to fight cavities.

Loose Adult Teeth or Injury
Losing baby teeth isn’t a big deal. Most of the time you won’t need to see a dentist unless your child is in pain or uncomfortable. However, if they have loose adult teeth, then you’ll need to speak to a dentist about possible causes. Some children’s teeth can loosen or get knocked out completely when playing sports, and you may wish to get a mouthguard fitted to help avoid some of the worst injuries. If your child loses an adult tooth, you should get them to a dentist right away. It’s advisable to keep the tooth in a container of milk or saltwater to stop it drying out.

Teeth That Aren’t Breaking Through
Most of the time, baby teeth fall out naturally and adult teeth simply work their way through. However, things can go wrong. If your child has teeth that aren’t quite breaking through the gums, they may need to be checked to ensure the adult teeth are growing as expected.