Graceful Smiles Dentistry

What are the Most Frequent Dental Diseases in Children?

There is a belief that children do not need to go to the dentist until their final teeth come out. Traditionally, the dentition of milk has not been given much importance, because it is thought that since it is not definitive teeth, the problems that it suffers should not be treated. It’s a mistake. There are dental diseases in children that can affect from an early age and must be treated. This is responsible for child dentistry, also called pediatric dentistry. Specialists in dental treatments for children.

What Are the Most Common Childhood Dental Ailments?

The child’s dental health has an impact on his general health and also conditions the health and condition of the final denture. A bad mouth can have a negative influence on how to chew food, causing the child to suffer digestive and even nutritional problems. Oral health also affects the child’s immune system. These are the most frequent diseases in the infant mouth:

Gingivitis

A disease that can become serious if left untreated. It is caused primarily by poor oral hygiene. It is important not only to treat it, but to correct it as soon as possible, instilling in the child good dental cleaning habits. Gingivitis can lead to loss of tooth support, bone loss and tooth decay due to poor gum conditions, which fail to hold them.

Stomatitis

Also called the disease of canker sores, it causes the appearance of very painful ulcers in the mouth, including lips and tongue. Burning becomes unbearable and feeding difficult due to pain. This disease usually affects girls more than boys. The causes are unknown, although it points to stress, systemic diseases and some immunological factors. These ulcers also appear by friction or by introducing irritating substances into the mouth, such as acidic foods. Occasionally, the appearance of mouth ulcers is indicative of an important disease.

Herpangina

They leave ulcers in soft areas of the mouth, such as the palate, tonsils or pharynx. They are caused by a virus and more frequent in school age. They usually cause epidemics and run with fever.

Hand-foot-mouth disease

It is due to Coxsackie A 16 virus. It is manifested by vesicles in the hands, feet and mouth.

Oral candidiasis

Produces typical whitish and cottony pseudo membranes that break off easily, leaving the gum red and inflamed.

Mucocele

It usually comes out in the lower lip but it can also be done in other areas of the oral mucosa with salivary content. Sometimes cysts form that must be surgically removed.

Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry

At Graceful Smiles, we provide exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. We take care of our families, and ensure that each appointment is a positive experience for everyone.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Elsa Mammen, please contact our dental office in Richmond, TX today! 

What Age Should a Child Go to the Dentist?

Many parents wonder what age is the right age to bring their child to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that parents seek out a dentist for their child by age of one, or when they notice the first tooth erupting. Typically primary teeth erupt around six months of age.

In many cases, parents feel their child is too young to see a dentist, or that they don’t have enough teeth to warrant a visit. Visiting a dentist at this early age helps to ensure baby teeth are coming in properly, and allows the dentist to determine if they see any issues early on. It is important that children keep their primary teeth in place until they are lost naturally.

What Are The Benefits of Primary Teeth?

Some of the benefits of getting primary teeth include:

  • They help children to chew their food properly
  • They help with speech development
  • Primary teeth promote a healthy smile, and they give children confidence about their appearance.
  • Primary teeth save space for future adult teeth

Starting your child out right with proper dental care helps build good oral hygiene habits. If you establish a good relationship with your dentist, this helps your child to understand how important it is to take care of your teeth.

Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry

Our team will check for any issues as your child grows older, and ensure your child’s teeth are looking and feeling great during each visit.

At Graceful Smiles, we provide exceptional dental care for patients of all ages. We take care of our families, and ensure that each appointment is a positive experience for everyone.

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s first appointment with Dr. Elsa Mammen, please contact our dental office in Richmond, TX today! Graceful Smiles today!

Tips to Improve Dental Hygiene for Children

Tips to Improve Dental Hygiene for Children

You need to be in charge of teaching your children better brushing habits.

Children need to see the dentist twice a year to keep their teeth healthy and clean. Unfortunately, many children do not take good care of their teeth at home, which means they may develop cavities and other dental problems that cause more work to be needed at their checkup visits. By adopting healthier habits at home, you’ll find that your child’s checkup visits are easier and quicker.

Choose the Right Tools

The right tools will make all the difference for your child when brushing and flossing their teeth at home. While manual brushes are fine, powered toothbrushes help to brush away plaque, bacteria and debris quicker than any manual would be able to accomplish. Choosing a kid-friendly flossing tool can help in creating healthier and stronger teeth and gums. Remember to always use a toothpaste meant for children that contains fluoride, as this helps to prevent cavities.

My wife adviced to try graceful smiles after her visit. Looks like she was right again. This is now the dentistry for me, my wife and our two little kids.

Eleghosa Obasohan

Teach Good Brushing Habits

You need to be in charge of teaching your children better brushing habits. You can do this by either showing them or by brushing your teeth in front of them so that they can follow in your footsteps. When you take the time to care for and appreciate your own smile, you’ll find that your children do the same and put more effort into their oral hygiene.

Get Involved

In most cases, you’ll need to brush your child’s teeth for them until they’re about five to six years old. Younger children may not have the dexterity to hold the brush and hit every tooth’s surface. By brushing your child’s teeth for them, you can be sure that they’re being cleaned properly twice a day. However, once your child is old enough, they need to learn how to care for their own teeth.

Adopt Healthier Eating Habits

Eating healthier foods can have a serious impact on the health of your child’s smile. Sugary snacks and drinks can cause tooth decay and deep stains. By teaching your child to eat better and make healthier choices, they’re less likely to go for sugary sweets and candies that could ruin their beautiful smile.

As with all patients, routine trips to the dentist help to keep smiles healthy and bright for life. If you have a child who needs to see a dentist, call our office today and we will work to get them in for an appointment.