As parents, we want the best for our children, and that includes their beautiful smiles. But sometimes, we might notice some not-so-pleasant changes in their gums – a little redness, some swelling, or even a bit of blood while brushing. These could be early signs of gingivitis in children.
Don’t worry, though. Gingivitis is a common condition and often easily reversible, especially when addressed in the early stages. Recognizing the signs early on is vital for maintaining their oral health.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is simply inflammation of the gums, the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. This inflammation usually happens because of a buildup of plaque, a sticky film composed of bacteria and food debris.
If plaque isn’t removed with regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, also called calculus, which irritates gums and can lead to gingivitis.
How to Spot Gingivitis in Children
Identifying gingivitis in its early stages is crucial to prevent further complications, potentially leading to tooth loss later in life.
6 Tell-Tale Gingivitis Signs
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, which is often one of the first and most common signs.
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Persistent bad breath, even after brushing.
- Receding gums that make teeth appear longer.
- Sensitivity or pain in the gums when touched.
- Loose teeth.
Although these are some common signs of gingivitis in children, keep in mind that not all children will experience all of these symptoms. Some children may not exhibit any noticeable signs at all, even if they have gingivitis. That’s why it’s essential to schedule regular dental checkups for your little ones.
A pediatric dentist can identify subtle signs of gingivitis in children and provide appropriate treatment and guidance.
5 Common Causes of Gingivitis
As we’ve already discussed, the number one culprit behind gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. But several other factors can contribute to its development, especially in children.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up and irritate the gums.
2. Diet High in Sugar
Sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque, producing acids that attack tooth enamel and irritate gums.
3. Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing dries out the mouth, reducing saliva flow, which helps to neutralize acids and remove food debris. This can increase the risk of plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
4. Hormonal Changes
During puberty, hormonal fluctuations can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to inflammation.
5. Medical Conditions
Certain conditions like diabetes and compromised immune systems can increase the risk of gum disease.
How to Prevent Gingivitis in Children
Preventing gingivitis in children is all about building and maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits early on. Just like we instill good table manners and bedtime routines, teaching children proper oral hygiene is key.
1. Establish a Brushing Routine
Make brushing a fun and non-negotiable part of their daily routine, just like getting dressed. Aim for brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Kids often need a helping hand until around age seven or eight when it comes to brushing their teeth effectively.
Experts advise us to be there to guide and supervise them until then. This way, we can ensure those pearly whites are getting the attention they need. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that’s gentle on their young gums.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is not always the easiest task, especially with wiggly kids, but it’s important because it reaches the areas that brushing sometimes misses: between the teeth where food particles like to hide. Encourage your child to floss daily, preferably at bedtime, to remove those sneaky food bits and plaque.
You can make flossing fun by getting flavored floss or letting your child choose their favorite color of floss.
3. Healthy Diet Choices
You’ve heard it before – “You are what you eat.” Well, the same applies to our teeth and gums. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is like a superhero for oral health. And guess what’s the arch-nemesis? Sugar.
Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks, which contribute to plaque buildup and make those gums unhappy.
4. Regular Dental Check-ups
Just like we get regular checkups, kids need them too – it’s recommended they see a dentist every six months. These visits help catch those early signs of gingivitis, even when symptoms might not be obvious at home. Plus, regular professional cleanings by a dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar buildup, keeping those gums happy and healthy.
Your child’s dentist can show them the proper brushing technique and teach them how to brush their teeth properly for optimal oral health. Taking your child in for routine dental cleanings and check-ups is an important part of preventive dental care.
Treatment Options for Gingivitis in Children
The good news is that gingivitis in children is typically treatable with a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental care. However, it is essential to address the issue promptly to prevent it from progressing into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontal disease, which affects the bone supporting the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.
1. Professional Cleaning
If your child’s dentist diagnoses them with gingivitis, the first step in treatment is usually a professional teeth cleaning. This involves a dental hygienist using special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup, both above and below the gum line. They will also polish the teeth to make it more difficult for plaque to stick to them in the future.
Professional dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. This procedure is sometimes called scaling and root planing, and it helps reduce the inflammation in your child’s gum tissue.
2. Oral Hygiene Instructions
Your child’s dentist and dental hygienist will provide detailed instructions on how to improve their oral hygiene at home. This will likely include demonstrations of proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your child’s age and needs.
They might recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush or specific types of dental floss that can help reach tight spaces between teeth. The goal is to empower your child to take an active role in maintaining their oral health.
3. Antimicrobial Mouthwash (in Some Cases)
In some cases, the dentist might recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to help control bacteria in the mouth. These mouthwashes contain ingredients that kill bacteria, reducing plaque and preventing gingivitis from recurring.
However, it’s essential to use them only as directed by your dentist, as overuse or incorrect usage can lead to other oral health problems.
4. Follow-Up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor your child’s progress and ensure the gingivitis is healing properly. The dentist will check for any signs of recurring inflammation or infection during these visits.
They will also reinforce good oral hygiene practices and make further recommendations as needed to keep your child’s gums healthy. Remember that preventing gingivitis in children is always preferable to treating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Build a Clean, Healthy Smile with Kemper
Being mindful of your children’s habits and behaviors that can contribute to gingivitis and working with their dentist to create a comprehensive preventive dental plan will help them have the best chance of fighting off and being free of signs of gingivitis in children.
Building an effective dental plan and enjoyable experience for your kids is easier with the right dentist. Dr Kemper has decades of experience helping children establish healthy dental practices for strong teeth and happy smiles.
Start your child’s dental journey today. Call Kemper DMD to book an appointment.
