Reasons to Brush Their Teeth: Preventing Gum Disease in Kids

A child grows up with the action of brushing teeth being a requirement from mom and dad on high. In their obligated obedience to the laws of their household, children may not understand the dangerous consequences of not brushing. Gum disease is a result of poor dental hygiene and can lead to tooth loss in adults. The reality is that poor dental care as a child and in the early years of adulthood can lead to a future of poor oral health.

The main culprits

Gum disease is also known as gingivitis and “is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth,” mouthhealthy.org writes. The earlier one treats gum disease, the better chance the individual has for keeping the gums healthy and intact. Mouthhealthy.org lists some of the warning signs of gum disease to include:

• Gums that bleed easily or pull away from the teeth
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

While alone, one of these symptoms may not mean gum disease, the patient may want to make sure to brush and floss properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, finds that at least 47 percent of adults aged 30 years or older have some form of a periodontal (gum) disease. The causes of gum disease vary per individual and are dependent on the lifestyle of the individual. Mouthhealthy.org lists some of these causes to include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetics
• Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Medications (Including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives)

Fortunately, the early stages of gum disease are easily treatable and preventable. A patient merely has to schedule a regular dental cleaning at least once every six months and keep up regular dental hygiene.

How to prevent the worst

While it can almost seem too good to be true, the early stages of gum disease are preventable with proper brushing and flossing. If gum disease is allowed to progress to the advanced stage, it becomes much more lethal. The advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis, which “can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time.”

Children who grow up with poor dental hygiene habits and a limited number of dental checkups are at a greater risk for gum disease in the future. Much like how proper dental hygiene can help support the gums, it can also help to support a child’s future. The prevention of gum disease will preserve one's health and prevent the parents from spending large amounts of money on dental restoration and treatment.

If a patient loses permanent teeth to gum disease, then he or she will have to go through possible replacement teeth or dental implants, crowns and much more. The cost also increases with the upkeep for the repairs. Patients can help their child have a bright and healthy future by scheduling regular dental appointments. A professional dentist can help children understand why he or she needs to brush on a regular basis. At Avenue of the Arts Dental, patients will not only have healthy teeth but will also have the chance to achieve the perfect smile. Prevent gum disease and schedule an appointment today.

Avenue of the Arts Dental

At Avenue of the Arts Dental in Philadelphia, PA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Avenue of the Arts Dental, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.