What are pre-teen teeth issues?
Pre-teen teeth issues might include:
- enamel hypomineralisation
- injuries to the teeth and mouth
- mouth guards
- orthodontics
- teeth-grinding
- tooth decay.
Enamel hypomineralisation
Enamel hypomineralisation is when the outer surfaces of teeth have fewer minerals than usual. As a result, teeth are weak and might break down.
Teeth with enamel hypomineralisation have white, yellow or brown patches. They might also be sensitive to cold and brushing.
Enamel hypomineralisation is most likely to affect the first adult molar teeth. Baby teeth and front teeth aren’t often affected.
If you think your child has enamel hypomineralisation, it’s important for them to see a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can help to stop your child’s teeth from breaking down even more.
Injuries to teeth
Injuries to your child’s face and teeth can happen when your child is walking, running, climbing, riding scooters and bikes and so on.
It’s important to take your child to a dentist or a hospital emergency department if your child damages their teeth or face, especially if a tooth is bumped, broken or moved out of its usual position.
Knocking out a baby tooth
If your child knocks out a baby tooth or their tooth moves out of its usual position, don’t try to put it back, because this can damage the adult tooth that’s developing under the gum.
Losing a baby tooth before it’s ready to come out usually isn’t a serious dental problem, but it’s important to take your child to the dentist immediately. Take the knocked-out tooth too.
The dentist can reassure you and your child that an adult tooth will eventually fill the space and that pain or tenderness in the area will soon go.
Knocking out an adult tooth
There are things you and your child can do that might stop your child from losing the tooth permanently:
- Find the tooth.
- Hold the tooth by the top (‘crown’), not the roots.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk for a few seconds. If there’s no milk, you can briefly rinse the tooth with water.
- Don’t let the tooth dry out.
- Put the tooth back in its socket immediately.
- Hold the tooth in place with aluminium foil. If you don’t have any aluminium foil handy, your child can bite down gently on a clean cloth – for example, a handkerchief.
- Take your child to the dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately. Time is critical.
If for some reason you can’t replace the tooth in its socket, put the tooth in milk or saliva and see your dentist or go to a hospital emergency department immediately. You might need to do this if your child is unconscious or distressed, for example.
If your child chips or fractures a tooth, keep the piece of tooth and store it in milk or saliva. See your dentist immediately.
Mouth guards
If your child plays sport, check the sport’s rules and recommendations about mouth guards. In many junior sports with a high risk of face contact or head injury, wearing a mouth guard or other protective equipment is compulsory during training sessions and match play.
There are 3 types of mouth guards:
- ready-made
- ‘boil and bite’, which mould around your child’s teeth and jawbone
- customised, which are made by a dental professional.
Customised mouth guards are the most comfortable and provide the best protection because they’re made specially to fit your child’s teeth and jaws.
Mouth guards should:
- be thick enough (4 mm) to provide protection against impact
- fit snugly and be comfortable
- be odourless and tasteless
- allow normal breathing and swallowing
- allow normal speech.
Here’s what your child should do to keep the mouth guard clean and in good shape:
- Rinse it before each use, and brush it with a non-abrasive toothpaste afterwards.
- Clean it every now and then in soapy water, making sure to rinse it thoroughly.
- Carry it in a container that has vents.
- Avoid leaving it in the sun or in hot water.
Take the mouth guard to your child’s dental visits to make sure it still fits correctly. Your child might need a new mouth guard when changes happen in their mouth – for example, when adult teeth come through.
Orthodontics
When the teeth and jaws don’t line up properly, it can cause problems including gum damage, abnormal tooth wear and speech difficulties. Pre-teens whose teeth and jaws don’t line up might also have trouble getting their teeth clean. Or they might feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth.
If you’re concerned about the way your child’s teeth and jaws line up, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. Your dentist might recommend that your child sees an orthodontist for treatment.
If your child has braces or other orthodontic appliances, it’s important for your child to brush their teeth well. They should also use waxed dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between their teeth.
Teeth-grinding
Occasional teeth-grinding or clenching that isn’t causing your child any problems doesn’t need treatment. But if the grinding keeps going, you might want to talk to a dentist or GP. It could lead to your child experiencing headaches and tooth pain or jaw pain or wearing down their teeth.
Tooth decay in pre-teens
Tooth decay is a diet-related disease that damages teeth.
Signs of tooth decay include white patches or brown spots on teeth, holes in teeth or broken teeth.
Your child can prevent tooth decay by taking 3 key steps:
- Clean their teeth and gums twice a day – in the morning and at night.
- Eat a healthy, low-sugar diet and maintain healthy eating habits.
- Care for their dental health by having regular dental check-ups.