Gum disease in Newcastle is often regarded as an adult disease. However, do you realize it can also affect children, although less frequently?
While gum disease in kids is less common, it can happen, so it’s important to know how it begins and how to avoid it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by dental plaque buildup, a sticky biofilm that continually forms over your teeth. Dental plaque contains bacteria that infect and inflame the gums.
The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis, a relatively mild condition easily reversible with professional dental care. Unfortunately, without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which is far more serious. Without treatment, periodontitis can permanently damage the gums and jawbone, eventually causing tooth loss.
How Does Gum Disease Begin in Children?
Most cases of gum disease occur due to poor oral hygiene. Gingivitis develops if dental plaque is not removed thoroughly and regularly through brushing and flossing.
Gums that look swollen and red are signs of gingivitis. As the gum tissue becomes more fragile, it will begin to bleed.
If the condition worsens, other symptoms can occur, like painful gums, bad breath, and your child may complain of a nasty taste. The gum tissue can start to recede, say teeth begin to look longer and could even become loose.
Other Reasons Why Gum Disease Can Develop in Kids
There are other reasons why children can develop gum disease in Clarington.
Mouth Breathing
These include mouth breathing, which dries out the mouth. When the mouth is drier, the bacteria in dental plaque thrive, increasing the likelihood of developing gum problems.
Medical Issues
Some medical conditions, like diabetes, can increase the risk of gum disease, especially if it isn’t well-controlled. Poorly controlled diabetes can increase the amount of glucose in saliva.
The glucose feeds harmful bacteria, enabling them to multiply more easily. The same thing can occur if a child has a diet high in sugary foods and beverages.
Puberty
The risk of gum disease increases during puberty because hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive to dental plaque bacteria.
Treating Gum Disease in Kids
If you think your child may have gum disease or hasn’t seen a dentist for a while, book an appointment with us at West Bowmanville Family Dental. As a kid-friendly dental practice, we will ensure your child feels comfortable, relaxed, and safe.
A dental exam enables us to check the condition of their gums and teeth. It is entirely painless and extremely gentle. We also recommend regular professional dental cleanings in Courtice.
Hygiene Appointments
During a hygiene appointment, we can professionally clean your child’s teeth, removing plaque and tartar, which is hardened dental plaque, and helping to get rid of harmful bacteria.
Once your child’s teeth are cleaned, we can discuss their home oral care routine. We know it can be a struggle to clean a young child’s teeth thoroughly or to encourage an older child to brush and floss regularly, but we can help.
Our friendly dental team can show you some useful tips and tricks for cleaning a young child’s teeth, making the process more fun for you both while demonstrating the proper brushing and flossing techniques. We can also work directly with older kids, teaching them why good oral care is so important and gently educating them on how to look after their teeth and gums.
When Should a Child First See a Dentist?
Earlier than you may think! We recommend regular dental visits from age three, as the sooner a child gets used to visiting the dentist, the more likely they are to grow up with healthy teeth and gums and to establish a good oral care routine. Schedule an appointment today to get your child started on the path to a healthy, confident smile.