Could Your Child Be at Risk of Periodontal Disease?

As children grow older and reach puberty, certain changes in the body can lead to a greater risk for some dental issues. As a parent, you will want to keep an eye on the situation and advise your child accordingly so that they can seek attention from a dentist and avoid the development of any serious problems. What do you need to be on the lookout for and what can cause these issues?

Early Sensitivity

As a child reaches puberty, experts believe that enhanced levels of estrogen could cause problems with gum sensitivity. This could, in turn, lead to some inflammation and even bleeding when the child brushes their teeth, and especially if they tend to over-brush.

Gingivitis

Gums can become a lot more sensitive if hormone levels are particularly high and they are likely to react to a buildup of plaque or tiny food particles. They may become tender and swollen, and this can quickly lead to a periodontal illness such as gingivitis.

Leading to Periodontitis

When gingivitis breaks out, your child's gums will definitely swell and will have a tendency to bleed very easily. If this is overlooked or left to develop without intervention, it may even turn into periodontitis, which can have serious repercussions. This type of disease is quite aggressive and may eat away at the bone that supports the teeth in question.

Expert Help

It's important for you to take action if you suspect that your child has an early stage of gingivitis or a larger problem. You need to ensure that they engage in a regular process of flossing and brushing and that they visit a dental professional at regular intervals. The expert could diagnose any issues, recommend a thorough cleaning and help prevent any damage to the bone structure and tissues that surround the teeth.

Early Signs

Sometimes, bad breath may be an early warning sign and, ironically, this might prompt the child to take action at an earlier stage. After all, this is socially challenging and can be particularly disturbing for any self-conscious teen. Nevertheless, you should encourage them to inspect their teeth even if their breath appears okay, and should certainly report any bleeding, swelling or discolouration.

It's always best to be safe, so make sure that you schedule a regular checkup with a dentist who specialises in the care of children or adolescents. Contact a children's dentistry to learn more.