Gum Disease in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Some people think that only adults have to worry about gum disease. In reality, while the condition isn’t as prevalent in children, it’s still very much a possibility. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps that parents can take to keep their little ones’ smiles safe. Here’s what you need to know if you want to help your child avoid the worst consequences of gum disease.

How Do Children Develop Gum Disease?

The most common cause of gum disease in children is the buildup of plaque on the teeth and gums. Plaque forms when harmful oral bacteria are allowed to feed on sugars and starches. When plaque builds up in the mouth and isn’t removed, it can lead to inflammation of the gums. If your child isn’t practicing good oral hygiene, they’ll be at a higher risk for plaque formation that eventually results in gum disease.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease in Children?

Most of the time, gum disease in children manifests as gingivitis. This can cause their gums to become red and swollen, and they might bleed easily when brushing and flossing.

Ignoring gingivitis for too long can cause it to turn into periodontitis, which is more likely to occur in children after they become teenagers. The symptoms of periodontitis are much more severe and can include gum recession, loose teeth, pus between the teeth and gums, and changes to bite or jaw alignment. Eventually, your child may even end up losing some of their permanent teeth.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

It goes without saying that it’s best for your child to avoid gum disease altogether. You can help them keep their gums healthy by:

• Making sure that they’re brushing at least twice a day with an appropriately sized toothbrush.
• Teaching them how to floss to remove plaque that has built up between the teeth.
• Limiting the amount of sugary and starchy foods they eat.
• Making sure they have a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year.

How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

Sadly, even if your child is doing all the right things to take care of their smile, they could still end up with gum disease. As long as the condition is in the gingivitis stage, it can sometimes be reversed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

However, if your little one develops periodontitis, they may need more advanced treatment. Oftentimes, this means a deep cleaning process that consists of scaling and root planing. Once plaque has been removed from above and below your child’s gumline, the roots of their teeth will be smoothed out to make it easier for the gums to reattach.

Gum disease can have serious consequences for your little one’s smile, but there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent the worst of the condition.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, and he received his certificate in Periodontics at the University of Southern California. His practice, Huntington Beach Periodontics, offers scaling and root planing along with other possible solutions for gum disease. If you’re worried that someone in your family is suffering from poor gum health, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Braga by visiting his website or calling (714) 587-9094.