Gum disease is when the gum tissues are inflamed due to the formation of plaque and tartar on the gums and teeth. The disease progresses to other oral structures, such as the jawbone or gum tissues. If left untreated it will cause tooth loss, bone loss, loose teeth, and gum recession. Children are more vulnerable to gum disease due to the following reasons:
Eating Sugary Foods
Children love consuming sugary foods such as sodas, candies, or chocolates. Sugar is known for attracting harmful bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria will cause damage to the gum tissues leading to gum diseases. Over time, a child's gum tissues may start to separate from the child's teeth and cause loose teeth or loss of teeth.
Poor Brushing and Flossing Technique
Children are unable to brush their teeth properly. Poor oral habits lead to the trapping of dirt and food particles in the jaw and teeth. The food debris will later lead to tartar and plaque formation. These hard substances produce toxic bacteria known for destroying healthy gum tissues of the mouth. Adults should assist their children in brushing their teeth. Consider making the oral care routine enjoyable for your kid. You can also make trips to the dentist to clean the teeth and remove accumulated dirt and debris.
Grinding of Teeth
Children often bite their nails or grind their teeth. Putting excess pressure on the teeth makes them shift in position, and they end up pushing into the gums. Over time, the teeth will cause damage to the gum tissues. Inflammation and stress on the gum tissues will lead to gum recession. Teeth grinding can cause other issues, such as loose teeth or temporomandibular disease (TMD). If your child grinds their teeth, especially when asleep, you can discuss it with your dentist, who can issue protective devices such as mouthguards to alleviate the pressure and prevent damage to the gum.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101, (316) 202-9629, tinyteethwichita.com, 10/4/2024, Page Terms:Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS,
Gum disease is when the gum tissues are inflamed due to the formation of plaque and tartar on the gums and teeth. The disease progresses to other oral structures, such as the jawbone or gum tissues. If left untreated it will cause tooth loss, bone loss, loose teeth, and gum recession. Children are more vulnerable to gum disease due to the following reasons: