When individuals think about oral health, their first thought is usually of their teeth. While your baby’s teeth are important, don’t forget about the gums! The gums of your child sustain and retain his teeth.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can develop if the gums do not get the attention they need. The good news is that children are more likely to have gingivitis, a mild form of the disease that can be treated.
What is Gum Disease?
According to Children’s Dentist Indianapolis IN is a disease that damages the supporting materials of the teeth. Bacteria can be found in everyone’s mouth, even in children. Plaque, a sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth and along the gums, is formed when bacteria interact with food particles, saliva, and mucus. Plaque can cause a gum infection in a child if it is not removed with repeated brushing, flossing, and professional dental hygiene.
Gingivitis causes swelling and irritation of the gums, although they continue to support the teeth. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed, and if treated properly by your pediatric dentist, this type of gum disease in children is not likely to cause long-term damage.
Debris can get stuck in these cracks and spread the disease below the gum line. Plaque damages the toxins produced by bacteria, as well as the body’s immune-fighting reactions, the bones, and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
Although periodontitis cannot be cured, it may be treated and its development slowed so that it does not worsen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis may affect youngsters, but it’s uncommon, and when it does, it usually affects teens and young adults.
Gum Disease in Children:
Gum disease in children may be caused by a variety of factors that are listed by Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN, including:
- Impaired Dental Hygiene
Plaque accumulation, which develops when the plaque is not removed with proper brushing and flossing, is the leading cause of gum disease in children. Once the plaque has hardened in the tartar, the tartar cannot be cleaned with a normal toothbrush. It can only be removed during cleaning using specialist equipment used in the dentist’s clinic. In addition to a plaque, food particles in the gums that are not cleaned can cause inflammation or infection of the gums.
- Several Diseases and Conditions
Gum disease may be exacerbated by certain medical disorders, such as diabetes and autoimmune illnesses.
- Use of medicines
Some medications cause dry mouth, which is characterized by a significant reduction in saliva production. Saliva is needed to remove plaque, germs, and food debris from the mouth and to adjust the pH. Other drugs can cause abnormal gum tissue growth, which increases the risk of gum disease in young people.
- Breathing from The Mouth
Chronic dry mouth is caused by mouth breathing, which raises the risk of gingivitis.
- Eating Plan
A diet rich in sugar and carbohydrates, or a lack of specific minerals and vitamins needed for healthy teeth and gums, can increase a child’s risk of developing gum disease. Sugars and carbs are consumed by bacteria in the mouth.
- Changes in Hormonal Conditions
Periodontal disease can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as during puberty. Why? During adolescence, hormones such as progesterone and estrogen increase the blood circulation in the gums, which makes the gums more sensitive and clears up plaque and food particles. As adolescence develops, this sensitivity usually decreases.
- Grinding of The Teeth
Excessive clenching and grinding can promote gum recession and increase the number of bacterial areas. Grinding teeth is sometimes seen in children. This may be a nightmare that you do not know about. If your child wakes up with a painful jaw, they may be grinding or grinding their teeth.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease symptoms in children that are described by Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN:
- Swollen Gums
- Gums that are release blood during brushing
- Bleeding when a child brushes or flosses his or her teeth
- Gums that are receding
- Bad breath issues
- Teeth that are loose or are beginning to separate, creating space
Treatment of Gum Disease in Children
When it comes to treating gum disease, most of the time, complete cleansing of your child’s dental clinic, along with a permanent home care program, eliminates soft plaque, tartar (hard plaque), and germs. Can be used to treat gingivitis. When children are treated for gum disease at an early stage, they have a better chance of getting rid of the condition quickly and easily and getting their gums back to normal.
Treatment of gum disease in children may include more severe dental hygiene and prescription mouthwashes such as medication. Surgical methods to catch the disease and eliminate the active infection are recommended only in rare cases. Gums disease must be treated at time otherwise your child will suffer some problems.
How Can Children’s Gum Disease Be Prevented?
Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits Early – The most essential preventive measure you can take to avoid gum disease in children is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day, enabling them to participate more fully as they reach toddlerhood.
Encourage kids to eat a low-sugar, healthy diet – A nutritious diet rich in nutrients that promote periodontal health will go a long way toward keeping gums in good shape. Limit sugar and simple carbs like white bread and chips so that the bacteria in your mouth don’t go on a feeding frenzy all the time.
See a pediatric dentist regularly — Another important approach to avoid gum disease is to keep up with periodic dental appointments for check-ups and expert cleanings. Your child’s pediatric dentist will examine their teeth as well as do a periodontal examination during their dental exam. They’ll be able to assist you in developing the best gum-care regimen for your youngster. Early identification of gingivitis allows an effective and non-invasive treatment and prevents the infection from progressing to periodontitis.
