At such a young time in their lives most children worry more about what the tooth fairy will leave them for their loose baby teeth rather than maintaining healthy teeth. Even parents have been shown to have a more laissez faire approach to their children’s teeth because their adult teeth have not grown in yet, however, gum disease can still be a prevalent issue for all ages. According to the American Dental Association those under 18 with gum disease can add up to the estimated 50 percent of adults with the disease who have not been treated correctly.
Signs of Children’s Gum Disease
The most common signs of gum disease are:
-Bleeding in the gums during brushing, flossing, cleaning or any other time
-Swollen and red gums
–Recession of the gums away from teeth and sometimes exposing of the root
-Bad breath that remains constant even after brushing and flossing
Types of Children’s Gum Disease
Overall, children’s gum disease can begin to manifest from bacteria and food debris that builds up and forms a sticky, fuzzy feeling on the teeth, also known as plaque. This plaque will continue to form and harden and as it worsens it causes teeth to loosen from damage to the soft tissue and bone underneath the teeth. Gum or periodontal disease is a general term associated with chronic gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis, and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Chronic gingivitis is the most common in children, and causes gums to swell, turn red, and bleed easily. Mild gingivitis can be treated with regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning, but if left untreated it will eventually advance into a more serious periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis can affect healthy young people and is found mainly in the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the loss of the alveolar bone and surprisingly, lack of plaque. Generalized aggressive periodontitis usually begins around puberty and affects the entire mouth. It creates an inflammation in the gums and heavy buildup of plaque.
Causes and the Importance of Good Hygiene
The causes for gum disease in children is generally poor hygiene, but other issues may spur on the disease as well. Genetics can also lead to a greater risk of gum disease in children, so make sure to be aware of your family history and take the necessary precautions. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, diseases that can generate a greater risk in children include Kinder syndrome, type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, Papillon-Lefevre syndrome and others. As children begin to grow into adolescence poor hygiene can follow with them. During puberty it is important to follow through with a good hygiene regimen at home and in some more severe cases a dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to lessen the chance of damage to the soft tissue and bones around the teeth.
Prevention and Treatment For Parents to Follow
Prevention is the best medicine, establish good hygiene with your children at an early age. At 12 months old you may begin using toothpaste to brush his or her teeth and when the gaps begin to close its important to start a flossing routine. Be a good role model for your children by brushing twice a day and flossing, this will give them incentive to do the same. Make sure to schedule regular family check ups, periodontal cleanings, and evaluations. After your child’s first dental visit, which is recommend around the age of one, continue to schedule appointments every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. Check your child’s mouth regularly, especially paying attention to the signs and symptoms of gum disease. If all else fails, early diagnosis is important for treating periodontal disease. Make sure your child is receive a thorough periodontal examination along with their cleaning. If your child begins to develop a more advanced form of gum disease be aware that may be a sign of early systemic disease. A medical evaluation may be required which follows a deep cleaning, an oral rinse, antibiotics or other medication, and if more severe surgery may be necessary.
Taking Care with Dr. Kao
Dr. Kao’s qualifications as a periodontist keeps him focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment on a variety of gum related diseases. If you believe your child is showing signs of mild to severe periodontal disease do not hesitate to schedule an appointment today. Prompt action against gum disease can ensure the health of your child. Even if your child has healthy teeth and he or she follows a good at-home dental hygiene regimen, it’s imperative to come in every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. Practicing good hygiene with Dr. Kao will save you and your child the discomfort and pain of early gum disease and can provide them with a lifetime of good hygiene habits and healthy teeth.
