Can Kids Really Get Gum Disease? Yes, They Sure Can!
Yes, Children Can Get Gum Disease
When we think of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, we often picture older adults. Because of this, many parents are surprised, and sometimes alarmed, to learn that gum disease doesn’t have an age requirement. The truth is, children and teenagers are just as susceptible to gum issues as adults are. While it might look a little different in children than it does in adults, the underlying biology is the same. Recognizing the signs early and understanding the causes can save your child from discomfort and protect their smile for decades to come.
What Gum Disease Looks Like in Children
Unlike a cavity, which often causes a sharp ache, gum disease is often silent in its early stages. Kids might not complain of any pain until the condition has progressed.
One sign of gum disease is red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink. If you notice your child’s gums look any other color, like dusky red, purple, or puffy, that is a red flag. The most common sign is bleeding during brushing or flossing. If you see pink in the sink when your child spits out their toothpaste, it’s not because they are brushing too hard. It is almost always a sign of inflammation.
Another sign of gum disease is persistent halitosis, or bad breath. While we all wake up with morning breath, if your child has persistent bad breath, even after brushing, it could be caused by bacteria that are living in pockets in the gums.
Common Causes of Gum Problems in Kids
Understanding the reasons behind gum disease helps form a better defense strategy. In children, there are three main culprits of gum disease:
- Plaque buildup: The number one cause of gum disease is plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that consistently forms on teeth. If it isn’t removed daily by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. Tartar acts as a shield for bacteria, allowing the bacteria to irritate the gumline.
- Sugary snacks and drinks: Bacteria love to feast on sugar. When kids snack on fruit snacks, gummy vitamins, or if they sip on juice throughout the day, that is a constant food source for bacteria, which can lead to rapid acid production and plaque formation.
- Crowded teeth: As permanent, or adult teeth come in, the mouth can become a bit crowded. Teeth that overlap or rotate create nooks and crannies that are nearly impossible for a standard toothbrush to reach. These tight spots can become breeding grounds for gum disease.
Why Gum Disease in Children Shouldn’t Be Ignored
While parents might think they are just baby teeth that will fall out anyway, gum disease affects not only the teeth. It can affect the bone and ligaments holding the tooth in place.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more serious form of periodontitis. This can lead to localized infections of abscesses, which are extremely painful and can cause a fever or facial swelling. Also, the bacteria involved in gum disease can actually travel through the bloodstream and impact overall cardiovascular and respiratory health.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The good news is that gum disease in children is entirely preventable. It comes down to consistent home and professional care. First, brushing. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. Daily brushing also needs to be paired with flossing. If your child has a problem using traditional dental floss, there are dental piks and water piks available to help with daily flossing.
Finally, everyone should also have biannual dental evaluations at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry. Professional cleanings every six months help remove hardened tartar and can catch early signs of gingivitis before they become a problem.
When to Talk to a Dentist
If you notice persistent bleeding or swelling of your child’s gums, or even receding gums, where it looks like the gums are pulling away from the teeth, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Spinnaker Pediatric Dental. The good thing about early-stage gum disease in children is that it is usually reversible with a professional cleaning and an adjustment to brushing techniques at home. Your dentist can also offer brushing techniques and other treatments, like mouthwashes, to help your child if they are at risk.
