Gingivitis in Kids: Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Oral hygiene is essential at any age, but it’s especially crucial for kids. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Despite the fact that it affects adults more frequently, gingivitis can nonetheless affect your youngster. So it’s essential for parents to be aware of the causes of gingivitis in kids and how to treat it effectively. This blog post will discuss the causes of gingivitis in kids, along with treatment and prevention tips. Understanding this gum disease better will give you an advantage.
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What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is often called gum disease, which generally affects children. Gingivitis is gum inflammation, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and irritable. It is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease.
Bacteria in the mouth produce plaque, which forms a sticky layer on teeth and around the gum line–this causes gingivitis. The toxins produced by these bacteria hurt the gums. Long-term plaque buildup can solidify into tartar over time, especially if you have poor oral hygiene. Tartar can attract more bacteria, causing gum inflammation to worsen.
Causes of Gingivitis
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of gum disease. Plaque along the gum line causes gum irritation. Plaque carries microorganisms and irritates gums. Without frequent brushing and flossing, plaque turns into tartar. Tartar inflames gums. Inflammation can detach gums from teeth, creating “periodontal pockets.”
Here are other causes of gingivitis in children:
- Lack of essential nutrients
- Teeth grinding
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Mouth breathing
- Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases
Gingivitis Symptoms
Bleeding gums are a frequent sign of gingivitis, especially when cleaning or flossing teeth. Other symptoms of gingivitis in children include red, swollen, or sensitive gums and poor breath.
Here are other signs of gingivitis:
- Gums that bleed when probed (erythema).
- When brushing or flossing, there is bleeding between the gums.
- Gums that are bright red or purple.
- Gums that are inflamed or swollen (edema).
- Gums that are soft, tender, or swollen may be painful to the touch.
- Receding gums occur when the roots of the teeth become exposed.
- Halitosis or bad breath that persists even after brushing.
Treatment For Gingivitis
If you notice any signs of gingivitis in toddlers, see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Plaque and extensive tartar buildup around the gums can be difficult to remove if you have crooked teeth, for example. There is a term for this procedure known as “scaling,” which is painful for children with sensitive gums or a lot of tartar. It is possible that additional appointments and extra treatment will be required.
Professional Cleanings
Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. Tartar removal requires professional dental cleanings, which include scaling and root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
The tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and below the gum line must be removed by scaling in cases of more advanced pediatric gingivitis. In order to perform root planing, instruments such as a laser or an ultrasonic device are used. The bacteria that is causing the inflammation is removed, and the root surfaces are smoothed during these procedures.
Preventing Child Gingivitis
Prevention of gingivitis starts with proper dental care, which includes proper brushing and flossing. This disease, like many others, is best treated in its earliest stages; thus early detection is critical.
Preventing gingivitis by taking your child to the pediatric dentist is an important step. During these appointments, the dentist can show you and your child the proper ways to clean and floss their teeth in order to keep them healthy in the future.
- Introduce dental hygiene as early as possible.
- Regular dental check-ups
- Use a soft toothbrush. Make sure to replace it every 3 months.
- Electric toothbrushes are more recommended than manual toothbrushes.
- Use low-fluoride toothpaste.
- Make sure to brush after consuming starchy or sugary foods.
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce swelling.
- Healthy diet.
- Mouthwashes containing antibacterial compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, triclosan, and chlorhexidine gluconate are also beneficial.
Read More: How to Properly Take Care of Baby Gums
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about your kid’s teeth gaps
Gingivitis is a common problem in children, but it’s one that can be treated and prevented with the right information. By understanding the causes of gingivitis and following the proper treatment protocol, parents can help keep their kids’ teeth healthy and free from infection. Get in touch with the most reputable pediatric dentist and schedule preventative care. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
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