Children should begin seeing the dentist regularly once they get their first tooth. Routine visits support the development of good oral health habits and allow the doctor to check for signs of problems like gum disease. Although you may think of this condition as an adult concern, it's also common in children. Here's how you can recognize the signs of gum disease and keep your little one's teeth and gums healthy.

What Parents Need to Know About Gum Disease 

What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums. If left untreated, it can cause the soft tissue to pull away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to accumulate and become trapped in the pockets. In time, this can cause an infection that breaks down the bone and connective tissue, causing teeth to become loose and fall out. 

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease occurs due to plaque buildup. The sticky, invisible film forms on the teeth when natural mouth bacteria mix with saliva, mucus, and food particles. 

When plaque isn't thoroughly removed by brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for a cleaning, it can harden into tartar. This substance causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Genetics, diet, or certain illnesses and medications can also cause the condition in some cases.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Most children only have the earliest stage of gum disease: gingivitis. At this point, the gums can be red, swollen, sore, and possibly bleed during brushing. At this point, the condition is reversible. However, some kids might not have any symptoms and only learn of the disease when visiting the dentist. 

As the disease progresses, it becomes incurable. It can cause loose teeth, unusual spacing, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and pus between the teeth and gums. 

How is gum disease treated in children?

If the dentist diagnoses gum disease, they will recommend the child to visit more often and switch to a different toothpaste. A more in-depth cleaning, known as scaling, may also be necessary to remove tartar from below the gum line. In the unlikely event that the condition has progressed beyond gingivitis, the dental professional will prescribe an antibiotic or surgery to address the infection.

Regular visits to the dentist are essential to preventing gum disease in children. Keep your little one's smile healthy with help from Honolulu Keiki Dental. Children throughout Honolulu and Kapolei, HI, have received high-quality dental care from these pediatric dentists since 1982. Call (808) 944-1603 to schedule an appointment, and learn more about their services online.