As a parent, you want to make sure your child has healthy teeth and gums. Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health and minimize missed school days. On average, kids miss three days of school each year because of dental issues, according to Shortlister. Aside from routine dental appointments, when does your child need to be seen? Here are some reasons why you may need to take your child to their dentist's office right away.

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children. It can start as soon as your child's first tooth erupts. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids that attack the teeth. This erosion causes cavities. A dentist can detect cavities at an early stage and fill them before they become more serious. Ignoring cavities allows them to grow, potentially causing pain, infection, and tooth loss. Getting cavities filled quickly at a dentist's office prevents more invasive treatments later on.

2. Injuries to Teeth and Mouth

Kids are prone to injuries that can damage their teeth, lips, and gums. Falls, sports mishaps, and accidents can all cause trauma to the mouth. Cracked, broken, or knocked-out teeth require immediate dentist attention. Leaving injuries untreated can lead to complications, like pulp infections. The dentist will thoroughly examine, clean, and restore damaged teeth. Prompt care ensures the best chance of saving injured teeth.

3. Alignment and Bite Issues

A healthy bite comes from well-aligned teeth. Bite problems may be subtle at first. A dentist can detect small alignment issues as well as abnormal wear, crowding, gaps, and other occlusion problems. These should be addressed as soon as they appear. Early intervention with braces or retainers lessens the need for more extensive treatment later. Left unaddressed, bite issues negatively impact chewing and speaking, and they can contribute to problems, like jaw pain and headaches, down the road.

With the right prevention and early treatment, your child can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. However, there may be times when emergency dental treatment is needed and when your child needs to visit a dentist's office as soon as possible. If your child needs to be seen by a dentist, then call us to schedule an appointment at Shoreview Dental.