Oral health is a crucial aspect of children’s overall well-being. All parents should be aware of common dental issues that can affect children, the most prevalent of which include:
- Tooth decay – Tooth decay in kids is often caused by sugary diets and poor oral hygiene.
- Thumb sucking – A common habit among young children which can lead to misalignment of teeth and potential orthodontic issues.
- Tongue thrusting – Some kids develop a habit of pushing their tongue against their teeth, which can result in misalignment.
- Lip sucking – A habit similar to thumb sucking in which the lower lip is held beneath the upper front teeth which can also adversely affect dental development.
- Early tooth loss – The early loss of primary teeth due to injury or decay can affect the eruption, alignment, and spacing of permanent teeth.
To ensure that these common dental issues don’t threaten children’s oral health and development, it’s vital for parents to encourage good oral hygiene habits from an early age and schedule regular dental check-ups to allow for thorough assessments, preventive care, early intervention, and education.
Pediatric and children's dentistry in Urbandale and Johnston, IA
If you’re in the Urbandale and Johnston areas and want an experienced and knowledgeable dental team to ensure your children’s oral health and guide them through their dental development, contact dentist Dr. Trunng Phan and the Northpark Dental team to schedule an appointment!