Parents’ Guidelines for Children’s Gum Disease

Do you know that children are also at risk for developing gum disease? Tooth decay and cavities are not the only dental concerns of parents for their kids; gum disease is also a problem that warrants attention.

There are specific factors that increase the chance of having gum disease in children and these factors include hormonal changes, certain medications and medical conditions, genetics and poor oral habits. If you’re a parent, it is essential that you keep an eye on your children’s oral hygiene routine. Make sure that they clean their teeth and gums regularly through proper brushing and flossing.

Early detection of gum disease is crucial to prevent it from worsening. Gum disease if undetected can eventually cause tooth loss and jawbone problems at a very young age. A comprehensive periodontal examination should be part of a regular dental visit to prevent gum disease from advancing to its severe form.

Here at Niagara Periodontics, we highly recommend that parents should take part in preventing gum disease in children. One of the most important preventative measures to avoid gum disease among kids is to establish good oral hygiene routine. Here are some of the preventative measure that should be followed diligently by parents.

• As early as 12 months, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing your child’s teeth. Take good care of their teeth and gums as they grow to prevent dental problems.
• Teach them how to brush, floss and clean their tongue correctly. Children tend to follow the footsteps of their parents so you must show them that you practice good oral hygiene every day.
• Take your children to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
• Know the signs and symptoms of early gum disease and check if your child has them.

To learn more about gum disease in children, visit our office at St. Catharine’s!

-The Niagara Periodontics Team