Gum disease need not be a disease of the aged. Though a lot of children suffer from gum disease, it is usually neglected, largely because most such children suffer from other serious illnesses. The severity can vary from something as simple as red and swollen gums to severe destruction of gums and periodontium (tooth supporting structures). Here are a few causes and risk factors that increase the chances of gum disease in children:
1. Poor oral hygiene
Most children aren’t able to brush optimally and this may lead to plaque accumulation which can further cause gingivitis (or gum inflammation). If you notice that your child has bad breath, the gums look red, swollen and bleed easily, it’s time you took it seriously and visit a dentist. It is both preventable and treatable with daily brushing and flossing, and regular visit to dentist. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious destructive forms of gum disease.
Most children aren’t able to brush optimally and this may lead to plaque accumulation which can further cause gingivitis (or gum inflammation). If you notice that your child has bad breath, the gums look red, swollen and bleed easily, it’s time you took it seriously and visit a dentist. It is both preventable and treatable with daily brushing and flossing, and regular visit to dentist. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious destructive forms of gum disease.
2. Teeth eruption and shedding
The situation worsens when their milk teeth exfoliate (or fall) and when the permanent teeth erupt. The discomfort that occurs with the process makes tooth brushing difficult, only adding to plaque accumulation and worsening gum inflammation.
The situation worsens when their milk teeth exfoliate (or fall) and when the permanent teeth erupt. The discomfort that occurs with the process makes tooth brushing difficult, only adding to plaque accumulation and worsening gum inflammation.
3. Oral infections
Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause gum problems in children. Herpetic gingivostomatitis, caused by the herpes simplex virus and commonly seen in children below three years of age, affects the gums along with other parts of the oral cavity.The gums are red and swollen with a tendency to bleed. There may be ulcers too. HIV-infected children have indicators in the oral cavity which could be the first clinical sign of the infection. Oral candidiasis and gingivitis are most commonly seen in HIV-associated gingivitis.
Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause gum problems in children. Herpetic gingivostomatitis, caused by the herpes simplex virus and commonly seen in children below three years of age, affects the gums along with other parts of the oral cavity.The gums are red and swollen with a tendency to bleed. There may be ulcers too. HIV-infected children have indicators in the oral cavity which could be the first clinical sign of the infection. Oral candidiasis and gingivitis are most commonly seen in HIV-associated gingivitis.
4. Poor nourishment
Gum and tongue inflammation may be seen in children with prolonged deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B complex. Ensure that they eat nutritious food including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Gum and tongue inflammation may be seen in children with prolonged deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B complex. Ensure that they eat nutritious food including fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Certain medications
If your child is on long-term medication like certain antiepileptic drugs or immunosuppressive therapy for asthma or other conditions, they are likely to have gum inflammation and enlargement. If you do notice it, talk to their doctor treating the condition and ask if the medicine can be changed.
If your child is on long-term medication like certain antiepileptic drugs or immunosuppressive therapy for asthma or other conditions, they are likely to have gum inflammation and enlargement. If you do notice it, talk to their doctor treating the condition and ask if the medicine can be changed.
6. Oral habits like mouth breathing
Mouth breathing in children if left untreated, can cause gingivitis along with abnormal facial and dental development. Ironically, habit breaking appliances used to treat such habits have wires and elastics which can make tooth brushing difficult and hence worsen the gum inflammation.compliance.
Mouth breathing in children if left untreated, can cause gingivitis along with abnormal facial and dental development. Ironically, habit breaking appliances used to treat such habits have wires and elastics which can make tooth brushing difficult and hence worsen the gum inflammation.compliance.
7. Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormones during puberty increase the gum’s sensitivity, affect the tissue response to corticosteroids and increase the risk of gum disease in adolescents. The gums may be red and swollen, and may be painful to touch.
Fluctuations in hormones during puberty increase the gum’s sensitivity, affect the tissue response to corticosteroids and increase the risk of gum disease in adolescents. The gums may be red and swollen, and may be painful to touch.
8. Certain systemic diseases
Advanced form of gum disease in children could be an early sign of disease elsewhere in the body. In juvenile onset or Type 1 diabetes there is an increased risk for oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, more often in first molars (first of the wide teeth at the back of the mouth) and incisors (front teeth).
Advanced form of gum disease in children could be an early sign of disease elsewhere in the body. In juvenile onset or Type 1 diabetes there is an increased risk for oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, more often in first molars (first of the wide teeth at the back of the mouth) and incisors (front teeth).
Gums are also affected in children with blood conditions like haemophilia, aplastic anaemia and leukaemia. And also, the fear of increased gum bleeding makes them reluctant to brush their teeth thereby adding to the already existing problem. Gum disease may also occur in children with congenital heart disease.
Poor gum health is also more significant in children with Down syndrome, Autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, etc. because they may not be able to carry out effective tooth brushing. Children with cleft lip and palate have increased gum inflammation due to the soft tissue folds and dental arch irregularities. The scar tissue that may form after closure of the cleft defect by surgery and the long term orthodontic treatment also hinder oral hygiene maintenance and increase the risk of gum problems.
Understanding why and how gum disease can affect children is half the battle won. It is essential to establish good oral health habits in your child to prevent gum disease, especially if they are suffering from other systemic illnesses. Routine dental check-ups in children enable early diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis, the better is the outcome of treatment.
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