Do oral health problems affect children differently than adolescents and adults?

Yes : Young children do not handle pain or oral discomfort as well as an adult or adolescents. Please have your child see a dentist or children dental specialist to have an exam and solve any problem that may exist.

Yes and no: For most children. Oral health is just routine care and does not differ drastically from the care given to adults. Eventually, their baby teeth are going to fall out but they still need their cavities filled to maintain the teeth in their mouths. The baby teeth are essential to maintain space for the permanent teeth if a baby tooth becomes infected a decision to save or extract depends on age.

Not much: The oral health problems that children are usually limited to tooth decay, cancer soars, and some viral infections. Pretty much the same as adults.

Yes, but: The major problem is tooth decay. Children do not have the manual dexterity or inclination to clean their teeth very well. They will not brush long enough or accurately enough to reduce decay effectively. It is important that the parents take an active role in brushing their child's teeth. Often children are resistant, so play a game, have them brush your teeth and you brush their teeth.

Yes: Children's mouths tend to be more acidic, with tooth decay major problem. Adult's mouths tend to be a bit more alkaline, with the bacteria that cause gum disease flourishing. Dates to remember: 1st dental check-up age 1 (not 2-3) 1st orthodontic check-up age 7. Don't wait until all the baby teeth fall out.