Pediatric Preventive Dental Care Long Island City
At PCO Dental Pediatrics & Orthodontics, we start with a child’s first visit to the dentist and build build a foundation for patients to achieve healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Through regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants, we strive to prevent the onset, progress, and recurrence of common dental problems.
Our pediatric dentist is committed to tailoring preventive treatment plans to fit every child’s individual needs. There are a variety of common dental problems that can impact children. Learn more about common dental problems in kids below.
Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a preventable disease. When a child’s teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth, creating plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay as the end result.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious oral health problem that can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and even bone damage. Children can develop gingivitis (an early form of periodontal disease) from too much plaque, but developing periodontal disease is less common. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of periodontal disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing.
Bad Breath in Kids
Daily brushing and flossing help prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and can cause bad breath in kids, also known as halitosis. While certain foods such as garlic may cause temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another medical problem. In many cases, bad breath may be due to allergies, sinus problems, or tonsil and adenoid issues in children.
Canker Sores
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small sores inside the mouth that often reoccur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. A canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.
If you believe your child has symptoms of one of these common dental problems, call our office at (718) 223-5652 today or request a consultation at PCO Dental Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by filling out the form on this page