Children Gum Diseases: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Gum disease sounds like a problem for adults. You might think that as long as children’s teeth are cavity free, they are good. However, that’s quite a myth. As per reports, children and adolescents can have gingivitis and other issues. They are less serious compared to adults, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen or it doesn’t need healing. In the article we talk about children gum diseases and its prevention.

What is a gum disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease makes gums inflame and can damage plenty of tissues. It also weakens teeth placement. The most common reason to have this condition is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. There are three common types of gum diseases that can happen to children:

1. Chronic gingivitis: It causes gum swelling and bleeding. It can be prevented with oral hygiene.
2. Aggressive periodontitis: it happens to a few teeth, usually the first molars or incisors in kids. It is related to the loss of alveolar bone.
3. Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: it is a condition when your teeth have excessive plaque all through the mouth and that can lead to losing teeth.

Symptoms of having gum disease:

Bad oral hygiene is one of the main reasons that lead to gum disease. The disease is caused by accumulating bacteria and plaque. However, kids and teens that have weak immune system or disorders in connective tissues can have a higher chance of having gum diseases. Poor way of brushing, crooked teeth and some medication can also harm your gums.

Common symptoms detected for gum disease:

1. Bleeding gums: happens from flossing and brushing
2. Swollen gums: healthy gums look pink while diseased ones are swollen and red
3. Receding gums: indicates advanced stages of the periodontal disease. If teeth start moving away from the gum, it can cause infection and teeth loss.
4. Bad breath: when brushing and flossing doesn’t reduce bad breath, it might be due to gum disease.

Preventing children gum disease:

Preventing cavities and gum diseases goes hand-in-hand. The best way to prevent any kind of oral problem is a good oral hygiene. Treating gum disease can include cleaning, surgery, antibiotics, gingival grafting, surgery, and more. It is better to take preventive measures rather than curing it. Some of the things you can start right now are:

1. Asking your child to brush their teeth twice a day
2. Reminding them to floss as well
3. Visit the dentist regularly for professional help and suggestion
4. Cleaning plaque buildup at the dentist

As a parent, there is so much to do to help your child adopt the healthy habits. You can start off by brushing your child’s teeth with a soft toothbrush. Repeat it two times daily to keep the new teeth healthy. Help your child know that brushing is an expected part of the day. When your kids can brush their own teeth properly, make it fun for them. Buy fancy toothbrushes or the electronic ones for thorough care. Make it enjoyable so that your child looks forward to it every morning. Set an example by demonstrating oral care yourself, and that will help your child follow.

Once you have started off with these, you must take frequent trips to Duluth Pediatric Dentistry for regular checkups. You will know how well your child’s teeth are and how to maintain them further. You can rectify any mistakes or adopt new ways to go about oral care. If you see any of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure you visit the dentist immediately. Curing at the earliest will help prevent the problem from growing.