Gingivitis & Pediatric Patients

Did you know that up to 60% of American teenagers suffer from gingivitis? It is the job of pediatric dentists to educate our patients about their oral health care! Many young dental patients simply don’t know how to properly clean their teeth, which ultimately increases the risk for dental caries and gum diseases such as gingivitis. Gingivitis is defined as a mild form of gum disease, presenting with painful symptoms that can worsen if the condition is not treated. Gingivitis is reversible through treatment and keeping up with a thorough daily oral hygiene routine.

Symptoms

The best prevention for gingivitis is not only daily brushing and flossing but also visiting the dentist every six months for thorough cleanings and examinations. In order to catch gingivitis early in its tracks, watch out for the following symptoms:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bleeding upon brushing and/or flossing
• Bad breath
• Receding gum line
• Pain and tenderness

If your child has been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, make sure to schedule your pediatric dental appointment as soon as possible for treatment.

Causes

Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of plaque, which solidifies into tartar and irritates your gums. Bacteria love to hide underneath the gum line, an area that is hard to reach if you don’t floss everyday and brush properly. When gingivitis is not treated, it will likely advance to full-blown periodontitis (gum disease). This will eventually cause tooth decay and tooth loss. It’s important to note that often times issues involving oral health during childhood will carry over into adulthood, negatively affecting the permanent teeth.

Prevention

Prevention of gum disease includes, but is not limited to:

• Daily flossing
• Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash
• Brushing teeth twice a day or as recommended by the dentist
• Visiting the dentist for a thorough professional cleaning every six months
• Staying away from sports drinks, sodas and candy
• Educating children and teenagers on the proper ways to brush and floss their teeth

As long as your little ones are diligent about keeping their mouths clean and healthy, gingivitis shouldn’t be too hard to prevent.

Treatment

Upon receiving a diagnosis of gingivitis from a dental health professional, treatment usually involves the application of an antibacterial medication underneath the gums and a thorough scaling of any existing tartar. After these treatments, it is up to you and your loved one to keep up with dental hygiene to prevent gingivitis from coming back. Schedule your child’s dental appointment at 516-825-1100 for a pediatric dentist in Garden City, NY.

Advanced Children’s Dentistry is centrally located in Nassau County, NY near Mineola, Bethpage, Levittown, Hempstead, Great Neck, Manhasset, Brookville, Roslyn, Floral Park, Valley Stream, Uniondale, Franklin Square, Rockville Centre, New Hyde Park, Westbury, Merrick, Roosevelt, Elmont, East Meadow, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.