When the topic of dental health for children arises, it can often be challenging to understand. Often, one question stands at the forefront of most parents’ minds, leading it to be a frequent topic of discussion: “Does your child need a pediatric dentist?” 

While the answer is simple, some aspects can be challenging to comprehend if you’re not up to date with current dental trends. So, read on to discover Dr. Marshall S Skopp’s DMD team’s answers to what a pediatric dentist is and the top four signs your child needs a pediatric dentist.

The Top 4 Signs Indicating Your Child Needs To See A Pediatric Dentist

Below are the top four signs indicating your child needs a pediatric dentist. 

• Tooth Sensitivity

Should your child constantly complain about tooth sensitivity, it might be time to take them to the pediatric dentist. While tooth sensitivity can be challenging to prove in children, it can be easily discovered if you keep a watchful eye on your kiddies during mealtimes. 

This is because certain foods may trigger sensitivity, and most of the time, these include hot foods like soups and cold foods like ice cream. Since tooth sensitivity could indicate a cavity, it’s essential to visit the pediatric dentist promptly before the cavity turns into an extraction.

• Recurring Toothaches or Earaches

One of the fundamental signs that your child needs a pediatric dentist is frequent toothaches or earaches. However, it is essential to remember that there could be several causes of tooth and earaches in children, and only a professional can correctly diagnose the issue. 

A pediatric dentist has the knowledge and experience to diagnose the pain’s source and prevent additional problems from surfacing. Pain and toothaches should not be ignored as there could be an underlying issue like tooth decay, injury, or infection that needs to be resolved before more significant damage is done.

• Recurring Bleeding or Swollen Gums

If your child’s gums are bleeding or swelling, it’s time to book that pediatric dental appointment. Bleeding or swollen gums could signify inflammation and be quite uncomfortable for children. Such inflammation could even lead to periodontal disease later on in life. 

The main cause of inflammation is plaque build-up, leading to gingivitis and swollen gums. However, this can be easily avoided by following proper dental care practices. Although sensitivity is hard to see, bleeding or swollen gums are not, so if your child shows such signs, it’s time to see the dentist.

• Bad Breath

Having occasional bad breath is no cause for concern, but should the smell be continuous and lingering, it is time to see the pediatric dentist. Your child may have bad breath for several reasons, including having a dry mouth or eating some particularly pungent foods. 

However, none of these are cause for concern if your child maintains good dental hygiene practices. The problem occurs when, despite your child’s routine brushing and fluid intake, they still have bad breath. This could indicate gingivitis, cavities, or gum disease, warranting a speedy trip to your pediatric dentist.

Reach Out To Dr. Marshall Skopp, DMD For Expert Pediatric Dentistry

Now that you have read up on what a pediatric dentist is and the top four signs indicating your child needs to see one, you will know when you need to take your child to the dentist. So, if your child needs to see a pediatric dentist, why not make an appointment with Dr. Marshall Skopp, DMD?=

With numerous years of pediatric dental experience, you can rest easy knowing that your child’s oral health will be dealt with promptly and with great care, ensuring your child’s fears are alleviated in the process.