Gum disease is a commonly dealt with issue in the United States, and can destroy the bone in your teeth. 66% of young adults have some form of gum disease, and about 50% of children have periodontal disease. So, how can we take steps to reduce the number of cases of gum disease?
Predispositions to Gum Disease
According to Brush Pediatric Dentistry, these are some of the factors that can make children more prone to developing gum disease.
- Poor oral hygiene habits at home and their novice brushing and flossing abilities
- Various autoimmune diseases and other illnesses (weakened immune system)
- Certain medications can deplete saliva, creating an ideal haven for bacteria to grow inside a dry mouth
- Unhealthy diets full of sugars and starches
- Various hormonal changes that can occur throughout puberty
- Genetics
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
How to Prevent it
There are many steps you can take to help your child develop healthy habits so that they don’t develop gum disease. Here are some of our tips!
- Create an oral hygiene routine. Ensure that your child is brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, if they’re old enough, on a regular basis.
- Organize a healthy eating routine that limits sugars, and encourage them to drink water frequently.
- Take them to their six month dental cleanings regularly.
- Keep an eye out for early signs of gingivitis.
Treatment for Gum Disease
If your child developed gum disease, it’s important to know what comes next. First off, take a step back and calm down. So many people deal with gum disease, and everything will be just fine in the end. Based on the severity of how much bacteria there is, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, prescription mouthwash, dental cleaning, or in most severe cases, surgical intervention.
