While you might think it’s impossible, your child’s teeth and gums are just as susceptible to many of the oral health problems adults face, including gum disease. With millions of adults in the United States suffering from some form of the disease, children are also at risk of their soft tissues becoming infected and inflamed. Fortunately, when detected early, it can be reversed; however, if left untreated, the team at Rio Dental will need to provide gum disease treatment for kids in Irving! By performing the right type of treatment for your child, we can treat it quickly and effectively, so your child’s oral health can get back on track. Call us today to schedule an appointment if you are concerned about your child’s teeth and gums.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
From bleeding gums in Irving to redness and tenderness, there are many common signs and symptoms to be mindful of when helping your child take care of their teeth and gums. Some of these include:
- Red, puffy, tender gums
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing, flossing, or rinsing
- Receding gums (teeth that appear longer over time)
- Changes in the bite and how teeth fit together
- Sores that develop on the gums, near the infected site
If you begin to notice any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms, it’s important that you call our office as soon as possible. We’ll want to check your child’s gums for problem areas and begin treatment quickly to reduce the likeliness of furthering spreading of plaque and tartar.
Why Early Detection is Important
The reason early detection is so important is that gum disease occurs in stages that range from mild to severe. The initial (mild) stage is known as gingivitis. This is when plaque and tartar are present above the gum line. This can easily be treated with good oral habits practiced at home and thorough cleanings by our dental team. In fact, gingivitis, if cared for properly, can be reversed.
If gingivitis is left alone and escalates, it can turn into a more severe stage known as periodontitis. This is when the plaque and tartar spread beneath the gum line and cause pockets to form. These can trap harmful bacteria and food particles. Without proper treatment, your child can be at risk for bone and tooth loss.
Possible Treatment Options
Before you get too concerned about the idea that your child will lose their teeth, at Rio Dental, we offer gum disease treatment in Irving that can take care of the problem and have your child enjoying their natural, healthy smile for many years.
In a process known as scaling and root planing, our dental team will gently and carefully remove plaque and tartar build-up from beneath the gum line before smoothing out the tooth root to encourage reattachment to the tooth. Then, we will incorporate the use of antibiotic therapy to ensure bacteria stay away, and that your child’s smile continues to heal safely and effectively.
Flossing Alternatives
While our Irving pediatric dentistry team is trained and ready to treat any gum issue or disease your child may be facing, we also encourage preventative care. Flossing is the best way to prevent these gum issues from the get-go. Understandably, it can be hard to get your child to floss as often as they should, especially if they don’t understand the benefits. Luckily, there are several flossing alternatives that are just as effective.
Interdental Brushes
This floss alternative is like tiny toothbrushes. They are designed to clean in-between teeth and can remove plaque and gunk just as floss can. In fact, in a number of studies, these types of brushes have been shown to be even more effective than floss in removing plaque. They come in different brush sizes and shapes to fit different areas of the mouth. This type of flossing is also effective and easy to use for those with braces and can be more fun for children since they come in a variety of colors.
Water Flossing
This flossing alternative has proven to be so effective that it’s been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). This small machine shoots out a strong, steady stream of water that clears away plaque on the gum line and between teeth. Not only could it be more comfortable than floss to use, but it’s a more fun and entertaining experience for children who don’t like traditional flossing.
Dental Pick
These are small sticks made of plastic or wood that can remove plaque from the teeth and gums. With wooden ones, the ADA suggests wetting the pick to soften it. Because they can be sharp, be very careful to target the teeth and gumline only and not hit any soft gum tissue. However, this alternative isn’t known as the most effective one, as flossing is typically better than dental picks. To make sure they are more effective, use a new pick each time to avoid moving bacteria around in your mouth.
Pre-threaded Floss
This type of floss is a great alternative for those with braces. Pre-threaded flossers can more easily get into hard-to-reach places in your mouth, as well as make flossing more fun and easy for kids. If you or your child have bridges or wide spaces, this flossing alternative could also be super helpful.
Soft-Picks by GUM®
Soft-picks are well-known and respected within the dental community. These are a hybrid of an interdental brush and a dental pick. They are disposable plastic picks with rubber bristles that are used comfortably between teeth. They remove plaque and buildup without damaging or irritating any gum tissue.
