For parents, there is no better sight than seeing their children smile. But as soon as teeth erupt, they become vulnerable to gum disease, such as gingivitis. The good thing about gingivitis is that once recognized, it can be treated and prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. For parents, there is no better sight than seeing their children smile. But as soon as the teeth erupt, they become vulnerable to gum disease, such as gingivitis. The good thing about gingivitis is that once recognized, it can be treated and prevented by practicing good oral hygiene.
What is gingivitis?
The disease usually develops in response to bacteria that thrive at the gingival margin – the spaces between the teeth and the surrounding gum tissues. Young children, especially those with baby teeth, have less plaque build-up than adults and are at lower risk of developing gingivitis. However, the risk increases with age, starting at the age of five. By the time puberty is reached, the probability of gingivitis is close to 100%. The risk of puberty-related gingivitis can be caused by hormonal changes occurring in the body.
What are the causes of gingivitis in children?
-One of the most common causes of gingivitis in children is not brushing the teeth properly.
-Sometimes only mouth breathing can increase the risk of gingivitis by causing dry mouth. In such cases, it should be ensured that nasal breathing is also comfortable by getting support from the Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist.
Gingivitis also occurs due to long-term plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky substance containing harmful bacteria that cause cavities.
-Another common cause of gingivitis in children is the hormonal changes that occur when they reach puberty.
-Poor nutrition can also cause gingivitis in children. It leads to a weak immune system and it becomes difficult for the body to fight infections. When a child consumes high amounts of sugary foods and carbonated drinks, dental plaque build-up is greater.
Symptoms of gingivitis in children
-Common symptoms of gingivitis among adolescents and children include
-Swelling of the gums
-The tooth appears longer than normal due to gingival recession,
-Bleeding between the gums when brushing or flossing,
-Mouth odor
-Redder than normal gums
-Gingivitis can be prevented. As a parent, you should help your child learn and practice ways to maintain oral hygiene every day.
Here are some of the best ways to prevent and treat gingivitis:
Brushing the teeth regularly
Brushing teeth regularly and correctly is vital to prevent and reverse the symptoms of gingivitis. Usually, children over the age of five can brush their teeth independently without adult supervision, but some may need help. Therefore, it is best to teach your child the importance of regular oral care and proper brushing techniques. Make sure you use age-appropriate toothpaste and toothbrushes and teach your child that they should brush their teeth at least twice a day.
Flossing
In addition to brushing, it is very important to teach your child the importance of cleaning the space between the teeth by flossing. Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent plaque build-up. If your children do not like flossing, you can try flavored floss. Flossing in children can start from the age of 12-13, after all permanent teeth have been replaced.
-Regular dental visits and teeth cleaning
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, you should take your child to the dentist for regular check-ups. This is important because plaque that lives in hard-to-reach areas can only be removed with professional cleaning techniques used by a dentist.
During a visit to the dentist, he or she will thoroughly examine your child’s mouth, clean the teeth, identify the underlying cause and start the most appropriate treatment.