Gum Disease
While many people believe periodontal disease is an adult problem, studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly a universal problem among children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur.
Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It can cause gum tissue to swell, turn red, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. If left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
Localized aggressive periodontitis can affect young healthy children. It is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.
Conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:
- Type I diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Papillon-Lefevre syndrome
For example, in a survey of 263 Type I diabetics, 11 to 18 years of age, 10 percent had overt periodontitis.
I think may have gum disease, now what?
Our team is well-equipped to diagnose and stage your child’s gum disease. Depending on the severity of your child’s gum disease, we may need to place him or her on a three-month follow-up schedule with our hygienists and dentist to make sure your child is maintaining good oral hygiene and if needed, another cleaning maybe advised.
In some severe cases, we may have to work hand in hand with a periodontist to treat your child’s condition and work with you to help guide you throughout the process, while focusing on prevention methods as well.