Did you know that approximately half of adults have gum disease? This serious dental problem is a bacterial infection that wreaks havoc on your oral health, especially the structure that supports your teeth. As a result, it’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss. With such significant consequences, you may be wondering, “Can children get gum disease, too?” Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Here are the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options according to your pediatric dentist in Flower Mound.
What Causes Gum Disease in Children?
Ultimately, the culprit of gum disease in children boils down to unhealthy dental habits like neglecting to brush and eating too much sugar. Behaviors like these allow the plaque on your teeth to build up and turn into tartar. If left untreated, it will develop into a bacterial infection called gingivitis. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that your child brushes twice a day, flosses daily, and visits their dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and exam.
What Are Gum Disease Symptoms to Watch Out for?
Since children may not be aware of the symptoms or neglect to bring them to your attention, it’s important to be on the lookout for:
- Inflamed or red gums.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Receding gums.
- Consistent bad breath.
- Pus between teeth and around their gums.
- Changes to their bite alignment.
How Do You Treat Gum Disease?
If caught in the early stages, treatment could be as simple as improving your child’s at-home dental hygiene regimen. This includes best practices like brushing after each meal, flossing daily, and limiting their intake of sugary foods and beverages. In more severe cases, a deep cleaning will be needed to remove the plaque and tartar underneath the gumline. Antibiotics might also be recommended, depending on the extent of the gum disease.
Your child’s oral health directly impacts their overall wellbeing, which is why it’s so important to prioritize the care of their teeth and gums. If they are exhibiting symptoms of gum disease, then schedule an appointment with their dentist right away. That way, it can be treated in the early stages, restoring their healthy and pain-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Neil Dean has been working hard for the smiles of his patients for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and then his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at Texas A&M. He has been on the dental staff at Children’s Medical Center of Plano since 2004. Dr. Dean can check for any signs of gum disease during your child’s next dental cleaning and exam, which you can schedule on his website or by calling (972) 884-5450.
