Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions there is; it’s estimated that around 50% of people over 30 in the U.S. suffer from it to some extent. That applies to adults, but what about children?
Let’s face it; children aren’t usually known for their immaculate oral health. But could that potentially put them at risk for gum disease? If you want to know a little more about gum disease in children, here’s a guide that can give you a little more information.
Can Children Be at Risk for Gum Disease?
Older people have the highest rates of gum disease, but children can develop periodontal disease the same as any adult. The primary reasons this can happen is if the child has been neglecting to brush and floss, which allows plaque to build up between the teeth.
There are also some other risk factors that can cause children to develop gum disease at a relatively young age. Genetics, diabetes, teeth grinding, and certain medicines can all make it more likely for a child to contract a periodontal infection.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease in Children?
If your child gets gum disease, it’s important to catch it early so that it can be treated effectively. Here are some of the most common indicators of gum disease:
- Swollen, inflamed gums
- Bleeding when brushing/flossing
- Receding gums
- Teeth that are unexpectedly loose
- Teeth that are abnormally far apart
- Chronic bad breath
- Abscesses or painful sores
- A sudden change in the way that they hold their jaw
Some of these are natural parts of childhood development, like loose or gapped teeth. More than one of them, however, is cause for concern and should be addressed by a dentist.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
The exact nature of the treatment that a dentist would use depends on your child’s age and the severity of their condition. In nearly every case, your child will need to take brushing and flossing much more seriously. Your dentist might also give your child’s teeth a deep cleaning or prescribe antibiotics as necessary.
That said, the best treatment is always prevention. By helping your child develop good oral health habits early, you can help them prevent gum disease not only in the immediate future, but for the rest of their life.
About Our Practice
At KidSmiles Dental and Orthodontics, we know that it can be difficult to get your child to the dentist’s, so we work hard to make visiting our office fun and comfortable. More than that, our caring dental team will go out of their way to put our patients first in everything that we do. With a pediatric dentist and orthodontist on staff, you can be sure that whatever your family needs, we’ll be there for you.
If you have any questions about gum disease in children, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 884-5450.
