Gum Disease in Kids: The Price of Poor Oral Hygiene
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when the tissues that hold your teeth in place become infected. Untreated, it can spread to the bones that support the teeth and result in severe tooth damage or even tooth loss. The warning sign that gum disease is setting in is swollen, red gums that bleed when you floss or brush. While adults are more likely to develop gum disease, children are still at risk. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep your child’s smile strong and healthy.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen, inflamed gums
- Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
- Pain
- Sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis: When plaque sits along the gumline, it irritates the gums. Inflammation follows, and the gums become swollen and red. They bleed when your child brushes and flosses. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis.
Mild Periodontitis
Periodontitis affects the gums, as well as the bones and ligaments that hold your child’s teeth in place. Plaque and tartar continue to irritate the gums, further inflaming them, causing them to begin to pull away from the teeth. We want the gums to surround the tooth roots snugly, and at this stage of gum disease, that begins to change for the worse. As the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, pockets form where bacteria thrive. Gums become more irritated and swollen at this stage. Connective tissue and bone may begin to break down.
Moderate Periodontitis
The pockets around the teeth get deeper, trapping even more bacteria and food. Teeth begin to loosen as the structures holding the teeth keep breaking down. Roots become exposed and vulnerable to decay.
Advanced Periodontitis
At this stage, tissue and bone loss is significant. Patients experience foul breath, pus, and pain when chewing. Teeth loosen even further, and the risk of tooth loss is high.
Note that periodontitis, unlike gingivitis, is not reversible. Prompt professional care can save the teeth. Gingivitis can be reversed with improved brushing and flossing.
The Main Cause of Gum Disease and The Simplest Prevention
Poor brushing and flossing habits, which allow plaque to sit on the teeth and gumline, are the leading cause of gum disease. That’s great news, because it means that the prevention of gum disease is something your child can achieve with good brushing and flossing habits. Children should be brushing twice a day, for two minutes each time, and flossing daily once their teeth touch.
Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for oral health and cavity prevention. Babies with at least one tooth, kiddos under three, should use a grain-of-rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. Kids over three can use a pea-sized amount. Teach your child proper brushing technique. Parents should supervise or brush for their child until their child is around age 7 or 8.
Visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups that include a dental cleaning. Your pediatric dentist can catch gum disease early with regular visits.
Note that some individuals are at higher risk of gum disease due to genetics, but that with proper brushing and flossing, gum disease can be kept at bay.
Treatment Options for Periodontitis
- Antibiotics
- Scaling and root planing (non-surgical deep cleaning)
- Flap surgery (reduces pocket depth and re-secures gums to teeth)
- Bone grafts and gum grafts (procedures that repair tissue damage)
The Whole Body Health Connection
Besides preventing tooth loss, there’s another reason to keep your child’s smile as healthy as possible. Did you know that the bacteria and infection from gum disease can pass through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, like the heart? This is another reason why it’s so important to catch gum disease early and stop it in its tracks. Remember, oral health is connected to whole-body health!
Suspect Gum Disease? Call Your Pediatric Dentist
Time is of the essence when it comes to treating gum disease. The longer it has to progress, the worse the prognosis. If you think your child may be suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis, call Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas as soon as possible to make an appointment. Our specialized team of pediatric dentists can diagnose the problem, determine how far the disease has progressed, and recommend an appropriate treatment.
FAQs About Gum Disease in Kids
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth.
What are the beginning warning signs of gum disease?
Gum disease starts out as swollen gums that bleed when you brush and floss.
What is the main cause of gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
Can gum disease be reversed?
If it is caught early enough, it can be reversed with good oral hygiene. Once it progresses, it can cause irreparable damage to the gums and teeth.
What is the treatment for gum disease?
The easiest prevention is to brush and floss regularly, and visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups. Once it progresses past gingivitis, treatments include antibiotics, scaling and deep cleaning, flap surgery, bone grafts, and gum grafts.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, then mild periodontitis, then moderate periodontitis, ending with advanced periodontitis. The consequences of gum disease get more serious as it progresses, eventually leading to severe tooth decay and tooth loss.
