What Is The Leading Cause Of Tooth Loss In Children?

Tooth loss can significantly impact your child’s ability to chew food and pronounce certain words. Tooth loss can also cause cosmetic issues, considerably lowering your child’s self-esteem and confidence. In this guide, let’s explore the various causes and prevention measures for tooth loss in children.

Causes of Tooth Loss in Children

Some of the most causes of tooth loss in children include:

• Tooth decay

Tooth decay or cavities are the primary cause of tooth loss in children and adults. Tooth decay happens when harmful bacteria and their acids damage the tooth enamel, causing holes. The damage progresses quickly when left untreated, eventually leading to tooth loss. Cavities in children are highly preventable with excellent oral hygiene, dental sealants, and proper diet. Visit our office for pediatric dentistry in Merrimack, NH.

• Dental trauma

Children are more prone to falls or sports accidents, leading to severe tooth damage like chips, cracks, or knocked outs. Seeking urgent dental care can help treat and save your child’s tooth.

Poor oral hygiene

Generally, children may not brush and floss their teeth thoroughly, especially at the back of the mouth. Inadequate dental hygiene can encourage bacterial plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, potentially leading to enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum disease. If not treated promptly, these factors lead to tooth loss.

• Orthodontic problems and treatments

Orthodontic problems like misalignments or overcrowding can encourage bacterial plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, making your child more vulnerable to cavities

• Poor diet

Children like highly processed and sugary items like sweets, soda, chips, chocolates, and candy. These items encourage bacteria buildup in the mouth, increasing your child’s risk of cavities and tooth loss. Limiting and having your child rinse their mouth after taking sugary items can help protect them from cavities and maintain healthy teeth.

• Gum disease

Like adults, children can also develop gum disease. When not treated promptly, gum disease can damage the teeth’ supporting structures like the bone, leading to tooth loss.

How to Prevent Tooth Loss in Children

Fortunately, you can avoid tooth loss in children through the following:

• Proper oral hygiene

Making sure your child brushes and floss their teeth daily helps reduce bacterial plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth, preventing oral problems like cavities and gum disease. Ensure your child uses a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Consult your dentist about your child using fluoride toothpaste.

• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings

Taking your child to our kid’s dentist in Merrimack, NH, can help promote dental health and prevent tooth loss. During routine checkups, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth for potential oral problems like cavities, erosion, gum disease, and poor bite.

If any problem is detected, the dentist will provide the necessary treatment to prevent the issues from worsening. The dentist will also clean your child’s mouth to remove bacterial plaque and tartar deposits. It lowers their risks of oral problems and prevents tooth loss.

• Proper diet

Giving and encouraging your child to eat healthy and balanced foods can help them maintain optimal oral health and prevent tooth loss. Limit their consumption of sweets and other sugary items.

• Dental sealants

Dental sealants can help smoothen your child’s teeth chewing surfaces, protecting them against plaque, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

• Mouthguard

If your child has bruxism or engages in high-contact sports, investing in a custom mouth guard can help protect their teeth against injuries and prevent tooth loss.

• Fluoride treatments

Routine fluoride treatments help remineralize your child’s teeth, making them more resistant to cavities.

• Orthodontic treatments

Getting your child’s teeth aligned can help minimize their risk of oral infection and tooth damage. Ensure they follow the orthodontist’s instructions and maintain excellent oral hygiene for optimal oral health.

Visit our Children’s dentistry in Merrimack, NH.

Does your child have untreated dental problems? Or are you ready to schedule routine dental checkups and preventive care? Contact Yelena Popkova, DDS – Merrimack, for more information.