Although gum disease is often thought of as an adult problem, recent studies indicate that it is becoming more prevalent in children. Gum disease treatment and prevention is an important part of the care your child receives at Smiles for Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Children & Gum Disease
Dental gum disease in children is similar to that in adults. Good dental hygiene for children, such as brushing and flossing twice per day, is the best way to prevent dental gum disease in children. There are four different types of gum disease in children:
Chronic gingivitis causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. It is common in children. Gum disease results when chronic gingivitis is not treated by a dentist.
Aggressive periodontitis is characterized by loss of alveolar bone. Found mostly in adolescents, aggressive periodontitis can affect people who are otherwise healthy and have very little plaque.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis is marked by gum inflammation and the heavy accumulation of plaque and calculus. It begins at the start of adolescence and can cause teeth to become loose.
Periodontitis associated with systemic disease is a dental gum disease in children and adults. It is caused by conditions that make children more susceptible to gum disease, like diabetes and Down’s syndrome.
Our children’s dentists will determine whether or not your child has gum disease during a check-up at one of our offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath and swollen, painful or bleeding gums.