Until your child becomes proficient in doing it on their own, you must be diligent in helping them maintain their dental health. Therefore, the ability to determine when a complaint or ailment warrants a visit to the dentist is critical. However, there may be instances when you are unsure whether you need to set up a dentist’s appointment. On these occasions, you have two options:
- Exercise abundant caution and schedule a visit regardless.
- Learn the symptoms to look out for, indicating that you must take your child to the dentist as soon as possible.
While it doesn’t hurt to rely on the first option, it is better to consider the second as a failsafe and more accurate alternative. In addition, knowing the signs enables you to save time and money, particularly when treatment is needed.
So, keep reading for more information on the signs indicating that your child may need to see the dentist so that you can take action when needed.
Signs That Your Child Needs Dental Care
Here are five of the most significant indicators that you need to take your child to a dental health professional:
1.Your Child Is Experiencing Pain
Tooth pain can be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem. Therefore, it is best to seek professional care for examination and treatment.
2.Your Child Has Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can result from something as minor as a small cut in the mouth. But they can also point to some more severe ailments. Therefore, when you notice that your child’s gums are bleeding, start by asking them if they have any injuries in their mouth. For example, it may be that they used too much force while brushing. If that is the case, and it is a singular occurrence, then you can allow the situation to rectify itself.
Conversely, if you notice that your child’s gums bleed regularly, please note that this may indicate the presence of gum disease. As a result, taking them to the dentist may be the best course of action.
3. It Has Been A While Since Your Last Visit
Regular visits to a dentist are as vital as GP or paediatrician check-ups. Moreover, you don’t have to wait for an issue to arise before making an appointment with your dentist. Going to the dental health professional’s office at least once every six months is a form of preventative health care. This frequency allows the professional to perform maintenance like tooth cleaning while running tests to help detect any emergent issues early.
4. Your Child Has Bad Breath
Bacteria and tooth decay are the most common causes of bad breath. So if you notice that your child’s breath does not improve even after brushing, you must take them to the dentist for testing to find the root cause.
5. Your Child’s Teeth Are Discoloured Or Loose
Loose or discoloured milk teeth indicate that there is an underlying issue. Ideally, milk teeth usually remain free of discolouration until they fall out. Therefore, any colour changes, including the appearance of white spots on the teeth, may be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Finally, remember that while these signs are accurate indicators that your child needs to see a dentist, you still need to schedule regular appointments for dental check-ups and professional cleaning at least twice a year. It’s infinitely better to practise preventative care and keep your natural teeth in optimum condition than to remedy any problems once the natural teeth become damaged or decayed.
