Gum disease can start much earlier than you think. In fact, gum disease can start as early as childhood. In order to keep your child’s mouth safe, be aware of what types of gum disease are most common in kids and how to prevent them.
While gum disease is more prevalent in adults, children are also susceptible to gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis, and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Periodontitis usually occurs if gingivitis goes untreated and will affect the molars and incisors. This can result in gum recession that leads to loose gums or bone loss.
There are some ways to spot gum disease before it gets out of control. If your child has bleeding gums while brushing, along with swelling, redness, and sensitivity then they could be experience gingivitis. If your child complains that brushing is painful, then bring them to a dentist to see if they are suffering from a build up of plaque that is causing gum decay. Going to the dentist can help reinforce positive habits with your little one and instill better oral health behaviors.
But, if your child does have early signs of gum disease, it is easy to fix. Make sure your child brushes multiple times a day, flosses regularly and uses a mouthwash with fluoride. Try using fun toothbrushes and tasty toothpaste to make your child willing to participate in a daily oral health routine.
