Pediatric Dental Crowding And Oral Health
If your child has tooth overcrowding, they need to be evaluated by a pediatric dentistry professional as soon as possible. There are varying degrees of crowding, and if your child has mild crowding of the teeth, their oral health status may not be affected. Conversely, if the teeth are overlapping or if your child experiences oral pain, the dentist may need to refer the child to an orthodontist, prosthodontist, or periodontist. Here are some ways tooth crowding can impair your child's oral health.
Periodontal Disease
Overcrowding of the teeth, especially when teeth overlap one another can make it difficult for your child to effectively clean all surfaces of the teeth. Your child may be unable to properly brush and floss, and because of this, calculus may develop between the teeth, triggering an inflammatory response. Bacterial counts inside the mouth can also rise if brushing and flossing are not done properly and regularly.
When oral bacteria and tartar accumulate inside the mouth, cavities, gingivitis, and a more serious type of gum disease known as periodontitis can develop. Not only can periodontitis cause red, inflamed, and bleeding gums, it can also lead to gingival tissue damage and damage to the underlying bone. If the pediatric dentist determines that overcrowding is severe, they may prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash to help minimize oral bacterial counts.
Uneven Bite
Also known as malocclusion, an uneven bite can cause enamel damage, and in some cases, may raise your child's risk for cracked or broken teeth. When overcrowded teeth constantly rub against each other, the friction can weaken the enamel, rendering the teeth more fragile and vulnerable to damage.
If the pediatric dentist discovers tooth damage, or if the child has a significant uneven bite, the dentist may recommend a consultation with a prosthodontist, who will evaluate the need for overbite treatment, which will help prevent further progression of the malocclusion. Once your child's dental crowding has been treated, their risk for periodontal disease and dental decay will decrease.
If your child's teeth are overcrowded, make an appointment with the pediatric dentist as soon as possible. When crowding is recognized and addressed in its early stages, complications such as an uneven bite, oral pain, and infections are less likely to develop. Crowded teeth can also impair your child's appearance and self-esteem, which may subsequently lead to social isolation, anxiety, insomnia, and problems at school, so quick intervention is essential.
For additional information, reach out to a company like New England Dental Specialists of Norwood.
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