Many parents know that they should help their child to avoid cavities and tooth decay, and regular visits with a pediatric dentist in Carlsbad is a great way to prevent these dental health problems. But, sometimes the topic of gum health is neglected in the home, and parents need to understand that maintaining healthy gums is just as important as preventing tooth decay.

What is Gum Disease?
As you are talking with a pediatric dentist in Carlsbad, they may use the term “gum disease,” “periodontal disease,” and/or “gingivitis.” These terms are referring to chronic infections in the gums caused by bacteria, and the chronic bacterial infections can have an impact on the gums, teeth, as well as the supporting bones.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and the symptoms include red and swollen gums that easily bleed. If the gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to receding gums and possibly tooth loss.

If gingivitis progresses, it can become periodontitis, which is a situation where the plaque begins to spread under the gum line. When this occurs, pockets of infection can begin to develop in the gums, and the gums can begin to separate from the teeth. A pediatric dentist in Carlsbad will explain that a problem with this progression lies in the fact that gum tissue and bone mass is destroyed by the infection, and it can result in the teeth becoming loose or even falling out.

Can Kids Get Gingivitis?
We have seen that gum disease is a common problem among adolescents and children, and we encourage that parents help their children to proactively work to avoid gum disease. When you talk with a pediatric dentist in Carlsbad, they will tell you that gum disease is preventable. There are certain steps that you can take to avoid gum disease, and additional treatments that can be used if gum disease is already present.

Advanced gum disease problems are usually found in adults, but childhood is the perfect time to help avoid these serious dental problems. In order to help your child avoid these problems in adulthood, there are several things that you can do as a parent.

First of all, help your child establish good flossing habits, and teach them about the importance of daily brushing to remove plaque from their teeth. Also, be sure that you have regular dental checkups for your child, so that early signs of gum disease can be detected. Early detection helps you to avoid the problem turning into severe gum disease. As a parent, you can also check your child’s gums and teeth on a regular basis. In between cleanings, take a look in their mouth to see if there are signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, red gums, bad breath, or gums that are pulling away from the teeth.

Call Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry to help your child avoid the complications that can result from gum disease, you can contact us to schedule an appointment for your child: (760) 633-1131