Can Children have Gum Disease?

Chances are you know that over half of the adult population in the United States has some stage of gum disease.  So where do your kids factor into the statistics?  It’s not that they can’t get gum disease, they will if they don’t have proper oral hygiene routines.  Kids more commonly get gingivitis, the first step towards gum disease.  As the dentist Merced families trust for their oral health, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry needs, we believe by recognizing the early warning signs of gum disease, you can prevent it from progressing.

Gingivitis

Typically, children get a mild form of periodontal disease, called gingivitis.  It comes about from a lack of brushing and flossing, a poor oral hygiene routine.  Signs to look for often include puffy or swollen gums, and gums that are red or bleed easily.  Gingivitis develops as a result of plaque on teeth from not brushing and flossing.  By teach children at a young age the importance of oral health care, they’ll reduce their risk of gum disease.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Generally speaking, when a child had gum disease, treatment is similar to what an adult would undergo.  Our Merced dentist starts with a deep clean, scaling and planning each tooth.  This process removes plaque and tartar.  Once we’ve cleaned each tooth we may suggest more frequent visits to our office to ensure the risk is removed. 

Prevent Gum Disease

While it’s not possible to prevent gum disease all of the time, there are things kids can do at home to reduce their risk of developing problems like gum disease. The most important thing to do is to take care of the teeth and gums every day. Have children brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Regular visits to our Merced dentist can help everyone stay on top of their dental health while helping us detect gum disease in the early stages.

If you’re concerned about your family and gum disease, schedule a consultation with our team.  We’ll evaluate your child’s oral cavity and develop a treatment plan for their needs.  Learn more about our services from our Facebook page or give us a call.  Let’s keep those teeth free of plaque and those smiles looking their best.