Gum Disease in Children

gum disease in children

Gum Disease in Children

Gum Disease Awareness Month: Children's Gum Disease

gum disease in children

The month of February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. You may be wondering, “Can toddlers have gum disease?” The truth is that, while more severe types of gum disease are uncommon in children, persistent gingivitis is frequent in children of all ages. The good news is that parents who take an active interest in their child’s dental health routine can easily avoid significant difficulties from happening. Below, our family dentist Grand Junction shares the primary warning indicators to look for to ensure your child isn’t in the early stages of gum disease.

What Does Gum Disease Look Like?

Dr. Eastham, the best dentist in Grand Junction CO, put together a list of the symptoms of periodontal disease:

  • While brushing or flossing your teeth, you may experience bleeding.
  • Puffiness or swelling of the gums, or any other sign that they are irritated or inflammatory
  • Bad breath (halitosis) that persists after regular brushing and flossing
  • Receding gum lines that expose the tooth’s root

Below, our family dentist in Grand Junction shares three forms of gum disease that children might get and tips on how to avoid these oral health issues.

Early Stages of Gum Disease: Chronic Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a minor kind of gum disease, did you know? If you see your child’s gums bleed when brushing or flossing their teeth, this indicates gingivitis in its early stages. Fortunately, this sort of gum disease is readily treatable! Brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly are the most effective techniques to prevent gum disease. However, if neglected or untreated, chronic gingivitis can deteriorate. Our friends at College Hill, dentist Easton PA, shares that this ca then and progress to a far more dangerous type of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis.

Aggressive Periodontitis

Adolescents are more prone than adults to develop aggressive periodontitis. However, in contrast to other gum diseases, children with severe periodontitis are unlikely to build dental plaque or tartar. Aggressive periodontitis is characterized by alveolar bone loss and affects the molars or incisors. 

Periodontitis with Aggressive Behavior

Around the age of puberty, your child may develop generalized aggressive periodontitis, which can affect the entire mouth. If severe periodontitis has set, you should expect to witness gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and tartar.  This is a far more dangerous form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss early on.

Periodontal Disease Prevention

While it may be tempting for children to miss a night and go to bed without cleaning their teeth, an irregular oral health practice might lead to problems in the future. If brushing before sleep is difficult for your children, have them brush soon after dinner, as long as no snacks follow.

Your family dentist near me will be able to detect any indications of periodontal disease. This is especially true if you keep up with frequent dental examinations. Then, based on the severity of the symptoms, we can find a treatment strategy. 

“Kids can avoid gingivitis by maintaining a consistent dental health regimen at home. Parents should watch their children’s brushing habits until they reach the age of eight to practice good behaviors regularly and brush and floss correctly.” – Dr. Joshua Eastham

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease will not go on its own. If your kid develops gingivitis early, it may be addressed with frequent dental exams and a strict oral hygiene program at home. If their gum disease has already progressed to a more critical level, they may require more regular dental exams, such as thorough cleanings every three months.

We hope this post has increased your understanding of how gum disease affects children and how you, as parents, may help avoid it.

Children’s Dental Health Month

celebrating childrens dental health month

Children's Dental Health Month

Celebrating Children's Dental Health Month With Tips & Tricks

celebrating childrens dental health month

The American Dental Association observes National Children’s Dental Health Month in February. This month-long national health observance emphasizes the significance of oral health in children while also providing recommendations for parents to keep their child’s smile on track! Our dentist in Grand Junction loves to use this occasion to give oral health recommendations and promote awareness of the need for children’s dental care at a young age.

At the first appointment, parents/guardians will have the chance to ask their dentist in Grand Junction CO questions and address any dental concerns, and the dentist will gently swab the child’s mouth to examine their gums and any erupted teeth. Then, as your kid begins to teethe, the dentist will be able to monitor their progress and apply preventative measures if there are any issues with their teeth.

“It is never too early to begin thinking about your child’s dental health! The American Association of Pediatric Dentists suggests that parents create a dental home for their kids when they get their first teeth or turn one.” – Dr. Joshua Eastham

Tips for Keeping Your Child's Oral Health in Check

Our family dentistry in Grand Junction CO take satisfaction in treating patients throughout such critical early childhood years. They have undergone further training beyond dental school to work exclusively with newborns and children in monitoring early oral development as pediatric dentists. We propose the following oral health guidelines to get your children started on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

If your child hasn’t seen a dentist in more than six months, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Clean Your Baby’s Gums Daily

Until those teeth appear, gently brush a moist towel over the gums after each meal to remove dangerous germs.

Begin Brushing Right Away

When you notice your baby coming in, start cleaning their teeth with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).

Brush For Two Minutes Twice a Week

Fluoride toothpaste should be used in a pea-sized quantity by children aged 2 to 6. Brushing children under six should always be supervised, as they are more prone to ingest toothpaste.

Start Flossing

When your child’s teeth come together, you may begin flossing between them.

Eat A Nutritious Snack

Fruit juice, sports drinks, fruit snacks, and sticky sweets are all harmful to your child’s teeth. Instead,  our friend Dr. Hobfoll, best pediatric dentist in SLC shares that if give calcium-rich snacks to your children, such as cheese or low-sugar yogurt. If you must eat candy, a chocolate bar is better than gummy or sticky sweets, which can become caught between the teeth even after cleaning.

Maintain Their Hydration

Avoid sugary beverages in favor of good old-fashioned water. Water aids in the removal of any sugar or particles that may cause cavities. In addition, many municipal water sources also include fluoride, which is suggested as an effective strategy to prevent tooth decay by the American Dental Association and the Surgeons General of the United States.

Any questions for Dr. Eastham about your child’s oral health? Contact our dentist near me today. 

Benefits of Seeing a Family Dentist

Why See a Family Dentist

Why See a Family Dentist

The Benefits of Seeing a Family Dentist

Why See a Family Dentist

Family and general dentistry share many similarities in that they give high-quality dental care to patients. In addition, they can use the same equipment and follow the same standards. Also, they provide patients with information about their oral health. Unlike general dentistry, however, family dentistry treats patients of all ages and can provide dental care for multiple family members in the same office. Family dentists make life much easier for families looking for dentists because they can treat all members regardless of age. In addition, family dentists do not discriminate and strive to deliver the most comprehensive services in their communities, providing families with the security they require. Today on the blog, our dentist in Grand Junction CO shares why see a family dentist.

Convenient Dental Appointments

To start, a family dentist often allows families to schedule appointments for all family members on the same day. Thus, scheduling is easier. Our family dentist in Grand Junction explains that from tiny toddlers to elderly, we’re able to see every member of your family. 

Enhanced Access to Dental Services

Unlike regular dentists, family dentists provide several dental treatments and procedures within the exact location. Then you and your family won’t have to travel far for dental care. As follows, cleaning, child braces, dentures, vital operations and more are all available at a family dentist near me.

Tracking Dental History Takes Less Time

Importantly, having a dentist for the complete family means that all of your family’s dental records will be kept in one location. In addition, a family dentist will be able to track your family’s medical history over time. Our Grand Junction dentist explains that they can chat with you about any hereditary disorders they may find. Additionally, Dr. Hobfoll, pediatric dentist in SLC, shares that understanding a family’s genetics is especially crucial. For example, when dealing with dental health for families with children. Then, a family dentist will provide the insight needed to maintain excellent dental hygiene.

Make the Experience Easy For Your Child

Children who visit pediatric and family dentists will be able to form strong relationships with them. Additionally, kids who have good encounters with their dentists are more likely to maintain their dental health. So, because of the trust that has been established, those children are likely to visit the dentist forever.

Develop a Long-Term Relationship with Your Dentist

Overall, dealing with a family dentist entails developing trust. Additionally, family dentists are more likely to alleviate their patients’ anxiety. Also, this allows them to speak about their problems more efficiently than conventional dentists. Of course, kids and the elderly will know that they are in excellent hands.

Contact Our Family Dentist in Grand Junction CO Today

Lastly, our team of family dentistry professionals at High Desert Dental is here for you. Dr. Eastham works tirelessly to educate his patients about their oral health. Additionally, he helps children find comfort at the dentist. In conclusion, lease make an appointment with High Desert Dental today to learn more about our services.