Can a Child Be at Risk for Gum Disease?

When you hear the words, “gum disease,” you may envision someone who is an adult. When discussed in articles, forums, and even blogs, this common dental problem focuses more on how it affects older individuals, but in reality, children are just as susceptible to gum disease. When you consider how likely they are to have cavities while at a young age, it should come as no surprise that bacteria can just as easily begin to attack their gum tissue as well. If you believe your child’s soft oral tissue is at risk, a pediatric dentist explains what to look for and how it can be treated to minimize damage and improve oral health.

What is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, this common dental problem affects people of all ages. It occurs when harmful bacteria (i.e. plaque and tartar) attack the soft oral tissue (gums), teeth, and bone. While it starts in its earliest stages, which is known as gingivitis, it can quickly spread beneath the gum line and escalate to periodontitis. This can result in serious problems if left untreated. Not only does it require more dental intervention on behalf of your child’s pediatric dentist, but it can potentially cause tooth and bone loss as well as many health-related conditions (i.e. diabetes).

What Are the Symptoms to Look For?

The most common symptoms you can expect to see if your child is suffering from gum disease include:

• Red, puffy, tender gums
• Inflamed and bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Pimple-like sores near the infected site
• Gum pocket formations
• Bone deterioration

Some of these may be more difficult to identify and will require the trained eye of your child’s dentist to detect. Fortunately, if caught early enough, the symptoms can be reversed.

What Can Cause it to Develop?

As it was mentioned earlier, gum disease develops because of a build up of plaque and tartar. If you’re wondering where these come from, it is usually traced back to a variety of causes, some of which include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• A diet filled with sugary and starchy foods and beverages
• The bad habit of smoking or using smokeless tobacco
• Mouth breathing
• Diabetes or an autoimmune disease
• Teeth grinding
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications that can lead to overgrowth of the gum tissue

How Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist Can Help

If you suspect your child is at risk or is already showing signs of gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist sooner rather than later. At this appointment, you can expect them to take dental X-Rays to see what is happening beneath the gum line. If it looks as if they are dealing with plaque and tartar formations, it will be necessary for your child to undergo periodontal therapy to improve their gum health. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including practicing better oral habits at home (no matter the stage of gum disease) in addition to frequent dental checkups and cleanings, special rinses or oral medicaments that will help combat bacteria locally in the mouth or seeing a periodontist that works with your pediatric dentists.

There are ways to prevent gum disease from the start, which your child’s dentist will be happy to discuss with you during your little one’s next visit.

About the Author  
Dr. Melissa Rozas is a pediatric dentist in Coppell, TX, who completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. After finishing her pediatric dental residency at UT/Herman Hospital, she became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She and her team want your child to have a smile that is free of cavities, stains, and even gum disease. By offering preventive services, she can detect early signs and recommend viable treatment options to keep their smile in optimal condition for the future. If you suspect your child may be developing a serious dental problem, contact us at (972) 393-9779.