Periodontal disease in kids

Periodontal Disease in Kids

 

Are you shocked to hear that periodontal disease can impact your children? While it is not as common as periodontal disease in adults, it is possible. Great oral care and a healthy diet can reduce the risks of periodontal disease in children. As parents it is our job to model proper oral hygiene for our children. It is recommended by one of Inland Empire’s Top Dentists and a Periodontic Specialist, Dr. Denine Rice, to begin to brush and floss your child’s teeth as soon as their first teeth come in and then monitor their oral health by checking for bleeding or swollen gums.

The American Academy of Periodontology, reports "Some children who exhibit more severe signs of periodontal disease may be exhibiting early signs of other systemic diseases and should be checked out further.” While teens may be at a greater risk for periodontal disease due to all of the hormone changes going on in their body. "It is increasingly important," according to Dr. Denine Rice, "that they develop healthy dental habits early in their childhood.” While teaching your young children to floss it is recommended that you are knee to knee in order to help them. There are also multiple types of floss that are easy to glide between teeth and made for children to make this process easier. If your child’s gums bleed while you are flossing, continue to floss twice a day. The gums will heal on their own if it is just gingivitis. If the bleeding continues for longer than a week this may be indicative of more severe periodontal disease and require different treatment. If you feel your child may need a thorough evaluation for periodontal disease, don't delay, call your dentist today.