Health/Wellness

Common Tooth Issues For Kids (& How To Solve Them)

tooth issues for kids

If you have kids, you know that even with some of the best hygiene practices, there are still many oral problems for kids to look out for. The biggest thing you can do as a parent is to identify and then act on these issues before they can negatively impact your child’s quality of life. Fortunately, this guide contains a few of the common tooth issues for kids, as well as some of the most effective solutions that you can utilize to help them find relief.

Yellowing, Discoloration & Staining 

One of the most common tooth issues for kids is yellowing, discoloration and staining. Unfortunately, children often forget to brush their teeth or simply have no interest in doing so (unless you’re standing by, making sure the task gets done). There are many different foods and drinks that can increase your child’s chances of stained teeth, including a few things you wouldn’t expect (like ketchup, soy sauce, blueberries and more!).

It’s not possible to avoid these foods completely, so making sure your kids are brushing their teeth thoroughly—two times per day in the morning and evening—is absolutely key. Each time they brush their teeth, ensure they do so for at least one minute (up to two minutes), brushing in circular motions as well as backwards/forwards to ensure every nook and cranny is cleaned.

You may also benefit from purchasing a child-friendly electric toothbrush, as the motion of these devices can help to ensure your kids’ teeth are as clean as can be. You can also find child-friendly mouthwash (we’re big fans of the Tom brand!) that can act as an extra oral hygiene boost and remove any leftover debris.

Misalignment & Crooked Teeth  

Another common tooth issues for kids is, of course, misaligned and crooked teeth. There are lots of different things that can impact on the layout of your little ones teeth. For example, if your child sucks their thumb, then this can force their teeth to move forward and protrude outwards in a kind of overbite. Ensuring that your little one doesn’t develop such a habit can help, but sometimes the misalignment is totally natural and unpreventable.

The best course of action is to book your child in with an orthodontist first to know whether or not your child needs braces, and then, if needed, get suitable braces for his/her mouth. Braces can come in many different styles, from clear aligners to metal braces. It will likely depend on your child’s unique oral health concerns which specific brace type they need, so visit an expert and they will be able to help. Caring for your braces can be a simple and easy process, so make sure your kids stay on top of brace care to get the best results from their addition. 

With any luck, this informative guide will help you and your little ones to identify and tackle two of the most common tooth issues!
 

Featured Image Credit: Gabriella Ally
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Marisa Donnelly, M.Ed., is a writer/editor, credentialed teacher, proud bonus mama, and CEO of Be A Light Collective, a coaching and content creation business and digital marketplace. She is the Director of Donnelly’s Daily Apple, a flexible learning/tutoring and educational resource platform, and the lead voice for Momish Moments and Step by Step Parents, verticals dedicated to sharing and advocating for non-traditional parenting journeys. Marisa currently resides in San Diego, California, with her fiancé, kiddo, and their two rambunctious Pitbulls. ❤️