Signs that it May be Time to Schedule a Dental Cleaning and Checkup

It’s common knowledge that our children should be visiting the dentist every six months to get a dental cleaning and a checkup. We also know that a toothache indicates the need to visit the dentist quickly and that bleeding or swollen gums may indicate gum disease or gingivitis. However, there are other, less obvious signals that mean it may be time to make an appointment for your child.

Signs that Point to the Need for a Checkup and a Cleaning

Below are a few things that signal the need for your child to visit the dentist:

• Your child wakes up with headaches – If your child is frequently waking up with headaches or jaw pain in the morning, he or she may be suffering from bruxism. Bruxism is the nighttime clenching and grinding of the teeth. Your child can be fitted with a custom night guard to prevent headaches or damage to the teeth.
• Your child is diabetic – People with diabetes (types I and II) have a higher risk of gum disease and periodontitis. If your child is diabetic, it’s important to make sure that he or she has good gum health and are brought to our office at the first sign of gum trouble.
• Your child has acid reflux – Acid reflux and GERD can cause the stomach acid to raise up into your child’s esophagus and into the mouth. Once in the mouth, this acid can eat away at the tooth enamel, causing erosion and making the teeth more vulnerable to dental diseases such as dental cavities, tooth decay, or tooth infections.
• Your child complains of a bad taste in his or her mouth – If your child is complaining of having a bad taste in his or her mouth, it could point to a more serious condition like dry mouth, uncontrolled bacteria, or a saliva gland infection.

In no way is this list completely inclusive, so if you have any concerns with your child’s teeth, gums, or oral health in general, please contact Firestone Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. To make an appointment, please call our Firestone, Colorado child’s dentist today.