When most of us think about our oral health, our pearly whites are the first thing to come to mind—but your gums are just as important as your teeth! And if you neglect to give them the attention they deserve, consequences such as gum disease might follow. But what about children; are budding smiles still susceptible to issues like gum disease, or can youngsters be a little lax about their hygiene habits? Unfortunately, gum disease can and does impact children who don’t properly care for their smiles! Here’s what your trusted pediatric dentist wants you to know about gum disease in children, including some common symptoms along with some tips for preventing it.
How Can Children Develop Gum Disease?
When bacteria and food debris remain lingering inside of the mouth, it can create a sticky film called plaque, which can build up and cause all sorts of oral health issues. Among these issues are swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums—an early form of gum disease. However, if left to worsen, teeth can eventually loosen and the soft tissues underneath them can sustain damage.
Chronically poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque buildup is the most notable cause of gum disease, but other things might raise your child’s risk for the condition. Certain genes, the tendency to breathe through the mouth, poor diet and lifestyle habits, bruxism, certain medications, hormonal changes, and various other things all contribute to gum disease.
Common Symptoms Associated with Gum Disease
Gum disease can range from mild to severe, but most children generally have a mild form known as gingivitis. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and sore, but it doesn’t always cause pain—sometimes allowing it to remain undetected. Some of the most commonly observable symptoms include:
- Tender, swollen, or red gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Gums that pull away from the teeth (known as gum recession)
- Loose or separating teeth that show more spacing than normal
- Chronic bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- A change in bite or jaw alignment
Since these symptoms might also seem like other health problems, it’s worth having them investigated to determine whether or not gum disease treatment becomes necessary.
Protecting Your Child’s Smile from Gum Disease
Luckily, protecting your child’s smile from the ravaging effects of gum disease is a relatively simple matter—it all boils down to consistent, excellent oral hygiene. Here are some useful tips for safeguarding your little one’s smile (these tips are also appropriate for adults):
- Ensure that your child is brushing and flossing daily; at-home oral hygiene is instrumental in the prevention of gum disease.
- Take your child to their preventive dental checkups; this allows their dentist to monitor their smile for early signs of the condition.
- Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet and reduce their intake of sugary or acidic items, especially sodas and candy. Instead, have them drink plenty of water instead.
If your child does develop gum disease, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent—however, it’s now up to you to help them get their smile back on track! By knowing how the disease functions and manifests, it can certainly be prevented and/or managed with relative ease.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. A. Faris Waheed, Dr. Amanda M. Panousis, and Dr. Alan Diep, the talented team at Baldwin Family Dental has proudly served the dental needs of the Panama City, FL area for several years. The practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including children’s dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your child, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information. Telephone: (850) 215-0128.