Understanding Gum Disease In Children And How Pediatric Dentists Go About Treating It
Gum disease is an oral health issue that typically affects older people. However, some kids may also be affected because they don't know how to care for their dental health. Absent of proper dental care, bacteria from food debris and other sources build up on the teeth and gum, forming plaque. It then leads to swelling, inflammation, and bleeding in your child's mouth. Furthermore, if you do not address the issue early enough, it loosens the teeth and wears out the soft tissue beneath them. Here is more you should know about gum disease in kids.
Symptoms of the Condition
Early diagnosis is the ideal way to deal with gum disease. This is because when a pediatric dentist diagnoses the condition in its earliest stages, they are able to reverse it in good time. Without expert intervention, your child might experience symptoms like redness, soreness, and pain. Their teeth might also bleed while brushing and flossing. Moreover, they could have persistent bad breath and pus from the gum. In many cases, children are more likely to suffer from a milder condition called gingivitis, which is easier to treat than gum disease. In any event, you should see an expert if your child complains of the above symptoms.
Risk Factors That May Result in the Condition
Some children might be more predisposed to developing gum disease than others. Nonetheless, proper dental hygiene, or lack thereof, plays a significant role in determining whether your child will suffer full-blown gum disease. Other common risk factors include food getting stuck in the gums, certain genetic conditions, and mouth breathing. Breathing through the mouth, in particular, dries out the teeth and gums and keeps plaque bacteria in the mouth. Autoimmune diseases and certain medications can also accelerate the rate at which an individual develops gum disease.
How the Pediatric Dentist Prevents and Treats It
An ideal way to prevent oral health issues is by ensuring proper dental health care. Teach your children to brush their teeth at least twice daily, and change their diet to minimize sugar and starch. You should also buy toothpaste containing fluoride and take your little ones to the pediatric dentist regularly. If it is found that the disease has begun to manifest, the professional can treat it with antibiotics or more comprehensive options depending on its severity. Recovery is better managed when you get involved in making certain that they make the right hygiene choices.
For more information on gum disease and oral health in children, contact a pediatric dental clinic.