Gum Disease in Kids: Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
Gum disease in kids is more common than many parents realize.
While it often starts as childhood gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, it can progress to advanced gum disease if left untreated. This condition affects the gum tissue, tooth roots, and the alveolar bone, leading to permanent damage if not addressed early.
The biggest issue? Many signs of gum disease can be subtle, making them easy to overlook. That is why regular teeth cleanings and dental exams at Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney are essential for maintaining healthy smiles and preventing complications.
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Key Takeaway
If your child has bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or swollen gums, they might have gum disease. Schedule regular dental checkups every six months at Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney to catch early signs of gum disease and protect their oral health.
Signs of Gum Disease in Kids You Should Not Ignore
As a parent, recognizing the warning signs of pediatric gum disease is vital. Here are the most common symptoms that require immediate attention.
1. Bleeding Gums After Brushing or Flossing
A common symptom of early-stage gum disease is bleeding gums when your child brushes or flosses.
This is a sign of gingivitis, caused by plaque buildup irritating the gums. If not treated, it can progress to a severe form of gum disease requiring deep cleaning and root planing.
2. Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)
If your child has chronic bad breath even after brushing, it could indicate bacterial infections in the gums.
Bacteria in plaque produce toxins that cause a bad taste in the mouth. Professional treatment, such as dental cleanings and an antibacterial mouth rinse, can help.
3. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
Healthy gums should be firm and pink, not red or puffy.
Gum inflammation is an early indicator of chronic gingivitis and a sign of gum disease. A dental hygienist can assess whether aggressive periodontitis is developing.
4. Receding Gums (Gum Recession)
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, making teeth more sensitive to cold foods and hot beverages. This can be a sign of advanced gum disease and may lead to tooth loss if untreated.
5. Loose Teeth or Changes in Jaw Alignment
Advanced periodontal diseases affect the periodontal ligaments, weakening the support system of the teeth. Misalignment of the jaw alignment can also result from untreated gum diseases.
Learn more about normal tooth loss here: When Do Kids Lose Their Teeth? What’s Normal, What’s Not.
6. Painful Chewing or Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain or tooth sensitivity when eating sugary foods or drinking cold water could indicate gum disease symptoms in kids. This can also signal tooth decay or enamel erosion caused by amounts of plaque buildup.
7. Swollen or Pus-Filled Gums
Severe gum disease can cause infected tissue, leading to pus formation along the gumline. This requires extensive treatment, including deep cleaning and interventions by a pediatric dentist.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease in Kids
Certain conditions increase the risk factors for developing disease in kids:
- Poor diet high in sugary foods and food debris buildup.
- Mouth breathing, which causes severe drying of the gums.
- Genetic predisposition to aggressive disease forms.
- Autoimmune diseases or special health care needs affecting blood circulation.
- Infrequent visits to the dentist for professional cleanings.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Some parents assume that because baby teeth eventually fall out, they do not need the same level of oral care as permanent teeth. However, neglecting baby teeth can have serious consequences:
✔ Gum disease in kids will spread to permanent teeth.
✔ Tooth decay weakens tooth enamel, increasing the risk of permanent tooth loss.
✔ Untreated gingivitis in baby teeth can lead to chronic gingivitis in adulthood.
✔ Poor oral hygiene habits early in life increase the risk of gum disease later.
✔ Healthy baby teeth help with jaw alignment and proper speech development.
Preventing gum disease starts early! Teach your children the importance of consistent brushing and flossing from an early age.
How Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney Can Help
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we provide high-quality kids dental care to manage pediatric gum disease. Our services include:
✔ Professional treatment with ultrasonic devices for deep cleaning.
✔ Scaling and root planing to promote healing.
✔ Dental hygienist monitoring to catch the earliest stages of forms of gum disease.
✔ Guidance on healthy foods and healthy diet choices for strong tooth roots.
✔ Customized oral health routine for kids with special health care needs.
Book a Dental Exam at Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney
If you notice signs of gum disease in your child, do not wait until it worsens. Early intervention prevents permanent damage and will keep your child’s smile healthy.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or visit us at 5323 W University Dr #100, McKinney, Texas.
Give your child the best start with strong teeth and healthy gums!
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