If your child complains that his or her
young gums
are sore, tender, or bleed after brushing or flossing, these might be warning
signs of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. The word
"periodontal" comes from the Greek meaning "around the tooth." Healthy gum
tissue and bone support each tooth.
Young gum disease threatens the support system
that healthy teeth need. If not treated, it can lead to serious problems
including tooth loss.
What Causes Children's Gum Disease?
Certain types of bacteria found in plaque (that sticky film in the mouth)
create toxins. This irritates the gums, causing tenderness and bleeding. As gums
loosen around teeth, little pockets form and fill with plaque. If left
untreated, the toxins destroy the tissues surrounding the teeth. This can lead
to further complications, so it's important to treat
young gum disease promptly.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Children's Gum Disease?
Good daily
pediatric dental care is essential. If plaque isn't removed completely
every 24 to 48 hours, it hardens into tartar, that can only be removed by
pediatric dental care professionals.
Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth helps to remove plaque. If
children are too young to brush themselves, they will need your help. Use a
soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between teeth with dental floss or interdental cleaners (special picks,
brushes, or sticks) to remove food particles trapped between teeth and plaque.
Anytime two teeth touch, they must be cleaned in between. Tooth decay and
young gum
disease often starts in these areas, so flossing is very important! Teach
children how to floss and help them until they're old enough to do it
themselves.
Teens, ages 12 or older, can use an anti-microbial mouthrinse approved by the
American Dental Association. This helps in controlling the plaque that forms
above the gum line. These rinses are available only by prescription from your
pediatric dentist.
Regular
pediatric dental care check-ups and cleanings, usually about twice a year, help to
remove the plaque that hardens into tartar under the gum line. Tartar can only be
removed professionally.
How Is Gingivitis Treated in Children?
In the early stages, proper pediatric dental care helps restore gum tissue along with
plaque and tartar removal around the teeth. Your dentist will design a pediatric
dental care program for your child's specific needs. Doing so will
help prevent
young gum disease.
