As a parent, you would go to any length to safeguard your child’s health. Prioritizing proper dental care practices is one of the finest methods to preserve your child’s well-being. However, while many of these responsibilities may be fulfilled at home under your supervision, there is no alternative for seeing a pediatric dentist at Spanaway Children’s Dentistry, where families rely on.

This is because there are some parts of dental care and treatment that you simply cannot mimic on your own. After all, dental-related ailments cause 51 million lost school hours each year. You may be able to educate your child on how to clean their teeth correctly, but they will also require supervision and assistance from a pediatric dentist.

If you’ve been putting off locating pediatric dentists in your region or rescheduling visits due to other obligations, you may be putting your child’s dental health at risk unwittingly. To that end, here are five warning indications that they should see a pediatric dentist immediately to avoid any problems.

It’s Time to See the Pediatric Dentist If:

1. Your youngster is in agony due to dental issues: While little discomfort can be ignored, chronic or severe tooth pain should be addressed as soon as possible. This type of pain might be caused by dental decay, a damaged tooth, or other underlying concerns. Even if your child’s pain subsides, it’s vital to identify the source and discuss it with your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
2. If your child’s teeth are spotted, discolored, or changing color: Discoloration of teeth isn’t natural, whether your child still has all of their baby teeth or has been visited by the Tooth Fairy. If they acquire white patches on their teeth, this might be an early symptom of dental caries (cavities). Teeth that have become gray, brown, or even black require quick expert treatment. Because degradation may happen swiftly, time is of importance.
3. Your child experiences tooth sensitivity: Adults with tooth sensitivity may not consider this occurrence to be significant enough to need a dental appointment. However, in many situations, oral sensitivity in children indicates the development of cavities – especially if your child has difficulty consuming hot or cold meals. Don’t overlook this problem, since their sensitivity (and cavities) may increase.
4. If your child’s gums are swollen or bleeding: Swollen or bleeding gums can often suggest the presence of illness or infection. You might believe that gingivitis is only a concern for adults, but it can also affect youngsters. Plaque accumulation in your child’s mouth can cause gum discomfort and the ultimate loss of permanent teeth. Dental decay can also cause the growth of an abscess on the gums, which can be quite painful. If you see any irritation or persistent bleeding in this region, contact your child’s dentist immediately.
5. Your one-year-old has yet to have an appointment: A visit to a pediatric dentist is not always necessitated by an oral health issue. If your child has reached their first birthday without seeing a dentist, this is one of the most critical symptoms that they need to be examined. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months after the emergence of their first tooth (whichever comes sooner). If your kid has completed these developmental milestones, they are technically overdue for a pediatric dental checkup.

Some parents make the mistake of assuming that their child is too young to have major dental problems. However, skipping these early oral health checks might have long-term consequences for your child’s health. If any of the above symptoms seem similar, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a reputable pediatric dentist. Contact Spanaway Children’s Dentistry, a Pediatric Dentist in Spanaway, WA if you require any further information.