Signs Your Child Needs to See a Pediatric Dentist

Regular checkups every six months are the foundation, but sometimes a child needs to see the dentist sooner. Kids are not always able to explain what hurts, and many dental problems start quietly, so it helps to know what to watch for. Here are the most common signs that it is time to call your pediatric dentist.

Signs Your Child Should See a Dentist Soon

1. Tooth pain or sensitivity

Complaints of a sore tooth, wincing at cold drinks or ice cream, or chewing on only one side of the mouth often point to a cavity or a cracked tooth. Even if the pain comes and goes, it is worth a visit. Decay in baby teeth can spread quickly because their enamel is thinner than adult enamel.

2. White, brown or black spots on the teeth

Chalky white spots near the gum line are often the first stage of decay, and brown or black spots usually mean a cavity has already formed. Caught early, white spots can sometimes be reversed with fluoride. Learn more in our guide to early tooth decay in kids.

3. Red, swollen or bleeding gums

Gums that bleed when your child brushes usually mean plaque is building up along the gum line. Better brushing and flossing often fix it, but a bump on the gum, swelling in the face, or a fever with mouth pain can mean an infection and should be seen right away.

4. Bad breath that does not go away

Morning breath is normal. Breath that stays bad after brushing can be a sign of decay, gum inflammation, food trapped between teeth, or an infection.

5. Grinding, clenching or jaw pain

Many children grind their teeth at night, especially when new teeth are coming in. If the grinding is loud, teeth look worn down, or your child complains of headaches or a sore jaw, we can check for wear and talk about whether a night guard or a TMJ screening makes sense.

6. Habits that can change the bite

Thumb or finger sucking, long-term pacifier use, and mouth breathing or snoring can affect how the teeth and jaws grow. Most children stop sucking habits on their own, but if a habit continues as permanent teeth start coming in, it is a good time for an evaluation. See our article on pacifiers, thumb and finger sucking.

7. Crooked teeth, crowding or a bite that looks off

Teeth that overlap, a jaw that shifts to one side, or upper teeth that sit behind the lower teeth can signal a crossbite or other bite problem. Many of these are easier to correct while a child is still growing. Read more about crossbites and early orthodontic treatment.

8. Baby teeth that are very early, very late, or not falling out

Children lose teeth on their own timetable, but if an adult tooth is coming in behind a baby tooth that will not budge, or teeth are far ahead of or behind the usual schedule, we will want to take a look. Our guide to when baby teeth fall out shows the typical timeline.

9. It has been more than six months

No symptoms does not always mean no problems. Small cavities usually do not hurt until they are big. Routine exams and cleanings every six months catch problems while they are small, quick and inexpensive to fix.

When It Is a Dental Emergency

Call us right away if your child has:

• A knocked-out permanent (adult) tooth. Hold it by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Time matters, so call immediately.
• A broken, chipped or pushed-in tooth after a fall or sports injury.
• Swelling in the face or gums, especially with fever.
• Severe tooth pain that keeps your child from eating or sleeping.
• Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.

Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back in, as that can damage the adult tooth underneath, but do call us. For more help, see what to do in a kids' dental emergency. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing, or has a serious head injury, go to the emergency room first.

Why a Pediatric Dentist?

Your family dentist can do a lot, but a pediatric dentist has two to three extra years of training in children's dental care, behavior guidance and growth and development. We are used to examining a toddler who will not sit still, explaining things to a worried five-year-old, and spotting early bite and development issues. That usually makes visits calmer for kids and parents. Read more about why a pediatric dentist matters.

What Happens at the Visit

We start by listening to you and your child about what has been happening. Then we look at the teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, take X-rays only if they are needed, and explain what we find in plain language. If treatment is needed, we will walk you through the options and costs before anything is done, and we will share tips to help prevent the problem from coming back. Our kids' oral hygiene guide covers the basics by age.

Schedule a Visit in Idaho Falls

If you have noticed any of these signs, or it has simply been a while since your child's last checkup, we are happy to help. Baker Pediatric Dentistry sees children from birth through age 21 and patients with special needs at our Idaho Falls office on John Adams Parkway, a short drive for families in Ammon and nearby towns. Call (208) 524-5050 or contact us to book an appointment.

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