Kids Dental Singapore: Common dental problems in children

Children's smiles have a unique way of brightening up any room and spreading joy. To keep those smiles healthy, they need a little extra care. Kids can face many of the same dental problems as adults, but their teeth are softer and still developing, making them more susceptible to issues that could escalate if not addressed early. Taking care of these problems now can prevent them from becoming more serious later!

Ensuring your child's oral health begins with early dental care and regular dental visits. It's important to bring your child to a dental clinic in Singapore for their first visit as soon as their primary teeth, or baby teeth, start to appear. Let's explore some common dental issues to watch out for, so you can help keep your child's smile healthy and happy!

1) Cavities/Tooth Decay

Cavities, or tooth decay, are a common concern among children in Singapore. In fact, research shows that 40% of kids under the age of six have cavities. This often happens because of a diet high in sugary snacks and drinks. An early attention to infant oral health helps prevent tooth decay and establishes good dental habits. Pediatric dentistry focuses on maintaining your child's teeth from the first set of baby teeth to the transition to permanent teeth.

One specific type of decay in infants is called baby bottle tooth decay. This happens when babies fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth for long periods. The sugar from the bottle coats their teeth, causing decay, especially in the front teeth.

What To Look For:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain when eating sweet or hot foods
• Visible holes in teeth

Prevention Tips:

• Make sure your child brushes their teeth regularly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Arrange regular dental check ups to identify and address any potential issues before they become serious
• To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, make sure your child doesn’t fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth, and clean their teeth or gums after feeding

2) Gum Disease

Gum disease is another issue seen in children. It happens when plaque accumulates along the gum line, leading to gum inflammation and bleeding.

What To Look For:

• Red, swollen gums and bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Bad breath

Prevention Tips:

• Encourage your child to maintain their oral hygiene, eg. brush and floss daily
• Ensure they have regular dental cleanings
• Encourage a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables

3) Misaligned Teeth and Bite Issues

Addressing habits like thumb sucking and providing consistent oral health care are essential parts of a comprehensive oral health programme. Misaligned teeth and bite issues are common among children of various ages. These problems can make it hard to eat and talk and they might also affect your child's confidence.

What to Look For:

• Crooked teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Noticeable misalignment of teeth and jaws

Prevention Tips:

• Regular dental check-ups can help monitor alignment
• Early orthodontic evaluations can identify potential issues
  
  

Misaligned teeth and bite issues can be fixed with braces or Invisalign. Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets to slowly move teeth into their correct positions and work well for many alignment problems. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners custom-made for your child’s teeth. These aligners gradually shift teeth into place and are almost invisible, making them a popular choice for older kids and teens who prefer a more discreet option.

Did you know that kids as young as 5 years old can wear Invisalign? Find out more here!

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• What services are available at dental clinic for kids in Singapore?
• What can I do at home to get ready for my kids dental visit?

4) Dental Trauma

Accidents can happen, and dental trauma, such as chipped or knocked-out teeth, is a concern for active children. Immediate care is crucial to minimise damage.

What to Look For:

Broken, chipped or knocked-out teeth from accidents or injuries

Prevention Tips:

• Encourage your child to use mouth guards during sports
• Seek immediate dental care for any injuries
  
  

5) Teething Issues

Teething is a normal developmental stage but can be uncomfortable. It involves the eruption of the first set of teeth and can cause fussiness and discomfort.

What to Look For:

• Signs of discomfort or increased irritability
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

Prevention Tips:

• Use teething rings or chilled washcloths to soothe sore gums
• Continue regular dental check-ups as your child’s teeth emerge
  
  
  

6) Early Loss of Baby Teeth

Children typically lose their milk teeth naturally between the ages of 6 and 12, with new permanent teeth growing in to replace them. However, if your child experiences tooth decay, they might lose a baby tooth too early—often before age 6. This early loss can impact the development and alignment of their permanent teeth, potentially leading to misalignment or spacing issues.

What to Look For:

Early loss of baby teeth, which may lead to gaps or misalignment

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay
• Consult with a dentist if a baby tooth is lost too early. They can provide guidance on managing the gap and help ensure proper alignment of the permanent teeth
  

7) Baby Teeth Not Loosening

In most cases, baby teeth naturally loosen and fall out as permanent teeth come in. This process allows new, adult teeth to take their place smoothly. However, if baby teeth remain stubbornly in place even after the permanent teeth have erupted, it’s important to consult with your dentist.

Persistent baby teeth can interfere with the proper alignment of permanent teeth and may require professional attention to ensure your child’s dental development proceeds correctly.

What to Look For:

• Watch for signs that the permanent teeth are coming in crooked or overlapping due to the presence of the baby teeth.
• If your child complains of discomfort or pain around the area of the stubborn baby tooth, it could indicate issues that need to be addressed.

Conclusion

Being proactive about your child’s dental health can help address common issues and ensure their smile stays bright. Regular visits to the dentist and access to quality dental services play a vital role in safeguarding your child’s oral health.

If you have any worries about your child’s dental health, simply send us a message here to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Singapore. We’re here to offer the right care and guidance for your child’s needs!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

References

1. Kumar, P., Gaur, S., & Singh, A. (2018). Global prevalence of dental caries in children: A systematic review. Journal of Dental Research.
2. Smith, K., Peterson, D., & Brown, J. (2019). The impact of preventive dental care on childhood gum disease. Pediatric Dentistry Journal.