It can be hard to tell when your child needs to see the dentist, especially if they’re not one to complain. After all, baby teeth wiggle, kids play rough, and your child might not yet know what’s normal and what’s cause for concern. But knowing what signs to watch for can help you catch problems early. At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to make sure your child’s smile is as glowing as their personality at every age. Here are 5 signs your child may need a dental checkup.
Why Encouraging Pediatric Dental Care Is Important
Establishing good oral habits at a young age promotes long-term health and confidence.
Board-certified pediatric dentists, like Dr. Cindy Weideman and Dr. Jeff Sue of Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, know how to teach brushing and flossing in ways that make sense for kids. They use age-appropriate techniques that are easy to understand and apply at home. That can take a lot of stress off parents and turn daily routines into something more manageable. When dental care starts off on the right foot, they’ll be more likely to feel at ease with dental care and continue those positive habits.
But it’s not just about learning how to keep the mouth clean. Pediatric dental care also plays an important role in kids’ oral health by diagnosing, treating, and detecting problems before they cause pain or lead to more complex treatment. For example, regular checkups support your child’s overall well-being by:
- Preventing cavities & gum disease
- Monitoring how teeth & jaws are developing
- Detecting alignment or bite issues early
- Building familiarity & comfort with the dental environment
At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we focus on making each visit calm, informative, and positive. To find out more about how we make oral healthcare fun and beneficial for the whole family, give us a call!
Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at those five signs that may indicate it is time for a dental visit.
1. They’re Complaining About Pain, Sensitivity, Or Avoiding Brushing
Kids aren’t always great at explaining what’s bothering them, especially when it comes to their mouths. Without a bruise, cut, or knowing what’s wrong, they might not be able to let you know they need help or why.
If your child has started dreading brushing or says something “feels weird” while eating, it might be more than avoidance or picky eating. Even young children can experience sensitivity, pain, or discomfort from a developing cavity or inflamed gums.
Watch for these signs:
- Flinching or pulling away while brushing
- Complaining about hot or cold foods
- Rushing through or skipping their brushing routine
- Only eating on one side of their mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Some kids may not speak up directly. If you notice anything odd, it’s always better to be safe and have it checked out!
2. That Bad Breath Isn’t Going Away
Like adults, it’s normal for Citrus Heights kids to wake up with funky breath…but when bad breath becomes an all-day issue—even after they’ve brushed—it might point to something more serious. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of tooth decay or cavities, gum inflammation or gingivitis, infections, or poor brushing technique. The solution could be as simple as overseeing their oral hygiene routine or helping them remove something stuck between the teeth. On the other hand, it could require professional dental help. A quick pediatric dental checkup can help you know for sure. Remember, the sooner it’s checked, the easier it is to treat!
3. Their Teeth, Gums, Or Bite Look Different
Changes in the appearance of your child’s teeth or gums can be an early sign that something needs attention. For example, if a tooth suddenly looks darker than the others, it could be bruised or damaged. White or brown spots might be signs of early decay. A rough edge or chip could mean your child has experienced an unnoticed dental injury.
Pay close attention to their gums, too. Swelling, redness, or bleeding during brushing is often a sign of inflammation or infection. Healthy gums should be pink, smooth, and firm. If your child complains about their gums hurting or you notice sensitivity around certain areas, it’s a good idea to schedule a pediatric dental checkup.
Even if your child hasn’t said anything, visual changes should always be brought up with your pediatric dentist in Citrus Heights, CA. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for your child.
4. They’re Grinding Their Teeth
Nighttime teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is surprisingly common in kids. You might hear gritty sounds or tooth-on-tooth rubbing while they sleep. In other cases, you won’t hear anything at all, but you might notice they’re clenching their jaw during the day, rubbing their face when they wake up, or complaining of jaw pain in the morning.
Left unchecked, grinding and clenching can lead to:
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped enamel
- Headaches or facial soreness
- TMJ problems in more severe cases
Some kids do it because of stress. Other, because of alignment issues or even growing pains. A pediatric dental checkup can help determine what’s going on and whether your child might benefit from behavioral changes, orthodontic monitoring, or even a nightguard.
5. Their Baby Teeth Are Hanging On Too Long, Or Adult Teeth Are MIA
Every child follows their own dental timeline, but there are general ranges for when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. If your child is well past the expected age for losing certain teeth—or if their adult teeth are showing up in odd places—it’s worth checking in.
- Baby teeth that don’t loosen, even when they should
- Adult teeth erupting behind baby teeth (sometimes called “shark teeth”)
- Gaps where adult teeth still haven’t appeared
Time For A Visit? We’re Here To Help.
Even if everything seems fine, your child should visit a kids’ dentist every six months to stay ahead of any possible concerns with fluoride, patient education, and professional dental cleaning. At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team makes appointments easy, informative, and low-pressure. We see patients of all ages and work closely with families in Citrus Heights, CA, and nearby communities to keep every smile growing strong.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, please reach out today. We’re happy to answer questions, schedule a visit, or help you decide what comes next.