It’s totally normal to feel a bit worried when you hear the words “gum disease”, but we are here to help. Gum disease, often called gingivitis or periodontal disease, is an infection in the gums and the tissues that support your child’s teeth. It usually happens when a sticky film, called plaque, builds up. If we don’t treat it, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. The good news is that we can catch it early.
Are you worried about your child's gums?
How Does Gum Disease Start?
Our mouths naturally make plaque every day. If your little one isn’t quite hitting all those spots with their toothbrush or floss, that plaque stays on the teeth. The bacteria in that plaque create irritants that can upset the gums and cause an infection. If the infection gets worse, it can start to break down the bone that holds your child’s teeth in place.
What is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease, and it’s actually very common in kids. You might notice that your child’s gums look a little red or swollen, or maybe they bleed a bit after brushing. It’s often painless, so they might not even know anything is wrong. From there, the next step is easy: with a professional cleaning and some extra care at home, we can usually reverse gingivitis completely.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into periodontitis. This is a more serious stage that can cause teeth to become loose. Even healthy teens can sometimes deal with a version of this that affects their first molars and front teeth. We want to make sure we step in long before it reaches that point.
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Learn the Signs of Gum Disease in Kids
Because gum disease often doesn't hurt at first, it helps to know what to look for. We recommend checking in if you notice:
- Gums that look red or puffy
- Gums that feel tender to the touch
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth
- Bad breath that just won’t go away
- Teeth that feel loose
If you suspect your child might have a gum issue, let’s get them in for an appointment. We’ll take a look, see how things are doing, and find a personalized plan to get their smile back on track. We’ll make sure the process is as easy as possible for both of you.
