Healthy Gums, Happy Smiles
Excellent oral health has numerous contributors. While teeth are important, so are the gums. Gums are used to support your teeth and hold them in place while serving as a protective seal to keep out the bad bacteria. If gums aren’t given a little TLC, it can lead to gum disease, even in children. While children can develop gum disease, they are more likely to contract a very mild version called pediatric gingivitis. Fortunately, here at Esteem Dental, we have a treatment plan for that!
Can Kids Get Gum Disease?
Gum disease in kids is fairly common since your child’s mouth naturally produces a sticky substance called plaque. The bacterium in plaque produces poisons, or toxins, which irritate the gums and cause infection, which can lead to gingivitis. When pediatric gingivitis increases in severity, it breaks down the bones and tissues that hold your child’s teeth in place.
What Are The Signs And Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease has many stages it can reach before anyone has to think of a tooth extraction. However, with children, pediatric gingivitis is most common and can be treated right here in our office. This first stage of gum disease creates swollen, red gums that may bleed after brushing or flossing. Since gingivitis is oftentimes painless, gum disease in kids could go undetected. However, with professional treatment from Dr. Jordan Jones accompanied with daily oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed before it progresses. If left untreated, a mild case of gingivitis may develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the mouth of your child no matter the state of their current oral health.
Signs of Gum Disease In Kids
- Tender gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums bleed after brushing or flossing
- Receding gum lines
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the way teeth come together when biting
Juvenile Gum Disease Treatment
When treating gum disease in kids, oftentimes, a professional cleaning from Dr. Jones will do the trick! We will provide each child and parent with a simple, yet effective, homecare routine to help rid their child’s mouth of soft plaque, tarter, and bacteria to help clear up gingivitis. Speaking with Dr. Jones after the first signs of gum disease allows us to quickly get ahead of the problem so it doesn’t turn into anything more serious. For more severe gum disease infections, antibiotics may be prescribed to help treat the gum infection from becoming a bigger, more systemic issue.
