What Parents Must Know about Gum Problems in Kids
Tagged as: periodontal disease, periodontitis, periodontitis treatment
A lot of people think that kids are not susceptible to symptoms of gum disease because unlike adults, they haven’t lived long enough to contract gum problems. However, research shows that most children experience gingivitis though not the more advanced gum diseases like periodontitis in many adults. Gingivitis is the mildest stage of periodontal disease.
The four basic signs which adults must watch for to safeguard their children against periodontal disease are bleeding of the gums, puffiness of the gums, receding gums, and bad breath. Bleeding gums even with gentle brushing and flossing is the main sign that you have gingivitis. The toxins produced by bacteria increases irritation making the gums prone to tenderness and bleeding. Puffiness occurs when the gums appear swollen and reddish in colour. Recession happens when the roots are exposed because the gums pull away from the teeth. When there is constant bad breath and does not clear even with regular brushing and flossing, this is a sure evidence that something is wrong. There are other physical signs that are considered alarming for the parents when these are noticed in children like separation or loosening of teeth, changes in the way they bite food, the presence of pus between the teeth and gums, and altered jaw alignment.
Actually, the three types of periodontitis plaguing children today are gingivitis which can advance to mild periodontitis. Periodontitis can be moderate or advanced depending on the severity of the symptoms. Most kids may suffer from gingivitis causing the gums to swell and bleed; and moderate periodontitis, which can form pockets between the teeth and gums, eventually leading to teeth loss. Though kids are still very young, they can experience tooth decay which is classified under moderate and advanced periodontitis.
It is important to know what caused the gum disease of your kids to be able to reverse the symptoms. Although the culprit is often poor oral hygiene where they fail to properly brush and floss their teeth well, there are other factors that can cause their gum problems. Some kids grind their teeth incessantly while sleeping and this can be voluntary or involuntary though both can cause gum bleeding. Other health issues can be determining factors like systemic or autoimmune diseases, nutrient deficiency like the lack of vitamin C, hormonal changes like those related to puberty, and diabetes.
The symptoms of gum disease in children can be prevented or treated depending on the level of how they are experiencing them. Their gum problem therapy is almost similar to periodontitis treatment among adults which include oral medication and professional cleaning for plaque removal. Dental surgery is also suggested to stop the prevailing symptoms permanently.
As always, prevention is still better than cure therefore allow patience and time for proper training of your child in the exercise of proper dental hygiene. You should ensure that they perform regular brushing of teeth and flossing in-between the teeth to remove food particles that have stuck there. Also, introduce your children to a dentist and require them for routine professional cleanings twice every year.