We try our best to ensure that our children stay healthy, but gum care for children is not something that everyone knows about. Most caregivers only know the basics of oral health and otherwise rely on dentists to tell them what to do. To keep kids as healthy as possible when it comes to gum care, it helps to know what to watch out for.
Here are a few of the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child has gum health issues or is developing gum disease.
One of the first things that the dentist looks for and a sign that a child may be developing gum disease is if they have excessive amounts of food debris in their gum pockets or at the base of their teeth. The same is true of plaque buildup on the gums and teeth and the existence of tartar.
Even before noticeable signs arise, the buildup of plaque and tartar means that the teeth and gums are not being cleaned properly. Leftover food debris can breed bacteria, which is the main cause of gum disease. If caregivers want to get a head start on gum care for children, they should keep an eye on their child's teeth and gums to ensure that they are getting clean.
If a caregiver is looking for direct signs of gum disease in their child, an essential thing to look for is if they experience pain when eating or trying to perform basic hygiene tasks. This can indicate that gum disease has already started developing.
Similarly, if there is no pain, but the caregiver notices blood when their children brush or floss, it can indicate gum sensitivity, which is a sign that the gums are not healthy. Going to the dentist as soon as possible is ideal so it can be treated before it worsens.
Other common signs of gum disease to look out for are redness, bright red coloring of the gums, inflammation, puffiness, being sore to the touch, and swelling. These are signs that the child’s gums are dealing with an oral health problem and that the body is reacting to it.
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Even if your child does not notice anything or say that anything is wrong, it is crucial to pay attention to their mouth, as symptoms can manifest differently for each person. Once it has gotten to the stage that the signs of gum disease are noticeable, it is vital to get to the dentist immediately. Crucial aspects of gum care for children are recognizing the signs and symptoms of gum disease and knowing when to get your dentist involved so they can prescribe treatment to keep the problem under control.
Request an appointment or call Manvel Pediatric Dentistry at 832-645-2848 for an appointment in our Manvel office.
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