Young children might be unable to communicate their emotions or have dental and tooth problems. As a result, as a parent, you will need to keep an eye out for certain symptoms that may indicate your child has a dental issue and needs to see a children’s dentist in Cumming, GA.

• Regularly waking 

Your child may have a toothache if he or she is having difficulty sleeping and appears tired and lethargic throughout the day. Typically, a toothache follows a tooth injury, such as a cavity. It can make it difficult to relax and slumber in some positions, such as on the side. 

• Appetite Loss or Food Aversions

One of the most obvious indications that your child may be experiencing dental pain is reluctance or crying when offered his or her favored foods or beverages. A tooth that has been damaged may become sensitive to hot or chilly foods. 

Check your child’s mouth for discoloration of the teeth or gums, and contact Pediatric Dentistry immediately if you find any. 

• Swollen Gums

If your child’s gums become dark red and distended, it may be a sign of an underlying tooth infection. Healthy gums should be pink. Even if there is no tooth infection, bacterial or fungal infections of the gingival tissue may still cause discomfort and problems in the mouth. Dentists can help cure your child’s oral infection with a thorough dental cleaning.

• Poor Breath

It is perfectly normal and common for infants and adults to have occasional bad breath. Persistent bad breath, however, may be an indication of a bacterial buildup in the mouth. High concentrations of microbes can cause gingival tissue infections or tooth decay.

You may need to consult your pediatric dentist to distinguish between normal poor breath and symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition.

• Discoloration

Tooth decay can erode the outer enamel layer, altering the tooth’s pigment over time. Examine the surface of your child’s teeth for dark pits or darker enamel than adjacent teeth. Before they brush, their teeth is the optimal time to examine these indicators of infection.

• Enlarged jaw or neck

A network of nerves, blood vessels, and muscles connect the teeth to the mandible and neck. When there is an infection in one or more teeth, it can cause symptoms in the surrounding area.

If your child’s neck or mandible appears swollen or redder than usual, he or she may require a dental examination. Oral infections are severe dental issues that require prompt treatment.