Gum Disease Therapy
Our skilled pediatric dental team is on hand to ensure your child's oral health and smile stay radiant. Even though gum disease is more commonly found in adults, kids are not entirely safe from it. Should your child have gum disease, we pledge to work closely with you both in crafting an effective treatment plan to restore optimum oral health.
Understanding Gum Disease in Kids
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a condition instigated by harmful bacteria accumulating on your child's gums and teeth, creating a sticky film known as plaque. This leads to gum infections, possibly resulting in gum recession, tooth loss, and other complications.
Recognizing Gum Disease
Although our expert pediatric dentist will be on the lookout for gum disease during your child's usual checkups, there are particular symptoms that you can monitor at home, including:
- Red, inflamed, or painful gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth or abnormal spacing between them
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Changes in bite or jaw alignment
Prevention of Gum Disease
Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups can help avert gum disease. Here's what your child should do:
- Brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Regularly use mouthwash
- Follow a healthy diet, minimizing intake of sugar-laden foods
- Schedule biannual appointments with our pediatric dentists for routine cleaning and checkups
Treatment of Gum Disease
Our pediatric dentist will examine your child's oral health and the gum disease severity to suggest an appropriate treatment strategy. Mild cases can often be managed with a thorough cleaning technique called scaling and root planing. We could also suggest antibiotic treatment. For more severe conditions, a surgical procedure may be recommended. Rest assured, all treatment alternatives will be thoroughly discussed with you, helping you make a well-informed decision about your child's care plan.
