Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue, deep tissues, and bones that support the teeth. When left untreated, it can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or even fall out! Approximately half of adults above the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another, but it can affect children as well. Continue reading to learn more about gum disease in children, the symptoms, and what can be done to address it.

How Does Gum Disease Work?

Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, but other factors can also play a role, like diabetes, certain medications, diet, and genetic predisposition. There are two stages of gum disease. Here’s what each one looks like:

• Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is often painless, so your child may not notice anything is wrong. Signs can include bleeding while brushing and flossing, inflammation, gum recession, and bad breath.
• Periodontitis: When left untreated, gingivitis can develop into the more severe stage of gum disease: periodontitis. Signs can include red, swollen, and sore gums, gum recession, bleeding when brushing and flossing, loose or separating teeth, bad breath that doesn’t subside, pus between the teeth and gums, change in bite alignment, and tooth loss.

How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed for Kids?

During your child’s routine cleanings and checkups every six months, their hygienist and dentist are on the lookout for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other abnormalities that need to be addressed. In addition to a physical examination, X-rays may also be taken. This way, their dentist can detect issues that aren’t obvious to the naked eye. If they find anything of concern, they will let you know so a treatment plan can be made for your child.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

There are a variety of steps you can take at home to reduce your child’s risk of gum disease. This includes:

• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
• Use a proper-sized toothbrush for your child’s age and size.
• Help your child floss their teeth daily.
• Schedule regular cleanings and checkups for your child.
• Encourage your child to maintain a healthy diet, reducing foods high in sugar and starch.

How Is Gum Disease Treated in Children?

If your child has gum disease, in addition to changes in at-home oral hygiene, it may be recommended that they have a deep cleaning completed by their dental team to remove the plaque and tartar that have accumulated over time. In more severe cases, antibiotics could be necessary to reduce the harmful bacteria in the mouth. Regular cleanings and checkups are also critical for preventing further issues.

Gum disease can wreak havoc on your child’s oral health, but it can be easily prevented with at-home care and regular visits to the dentist. This way, your child’s smile can be set up for success!

About the Author

At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage work together to treat children in the McKinney community. With their combined experience and expertise, your child can get pretty much everything they need at one convenient location. To learn more about gum disease or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit their website or call (469) 294-8217.