Gum Diseases: How To Effectively Handle And Cure Them?

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up at the foot of the teeth near the gums causing it to get swollen and red. Forming and hardening of plaque result in slight irritation and inflammation in the gums. 

Change in color, the formation of pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums), mainly increased redness, along with swelling and an increased tendency to bleed are the main symptoms of this disease. When the gum tissue is unhealthy, it can lead to periodontal disease.

Gum Disease

It is very unusual for children to suffer from severe gum disease, but it is common for them to develop a mild way of it called gingivitis. Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss and damage to the bones of children, if not appropriately treated.

Types Of Gum Diseases

Teenagers can face issues with their gums during puberty. The rise in progesterone and possibly estrogen leads to an increase in blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive. Certain diseases can increase a child's risk. Let's check on some types of gum diseases.

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is among the most common dental diseases; it occurs in response to plaques that are attached to tooth surfaces, also termed as plaque-induced gingivitis. The plaque deposits in the small gaps between the teeth in the gingival grooves and areas known as plaque traps. 

Although this accumulation may be tiny, and the bacteria in them produce chemicals such as degradative enzymes and toxins. These toxins promote an inflammatory response in the gum tissue. Inadequate oral hygiene often causes gingivitis.

2. Periodontitis

Periodontitis mainly occurs due to untreated gingivitis. It is a severe disease child may face as plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Gums separate from the teeth, thus forming pockets that get infected. 

As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed significantly. Often, this destructive process has very few symptoms.

There are different forms of periodontists, which include the following:

●     Chronic periodontists are the most frequently occurring form of periodontists and are characterized by pocket formation or recession of the gingival.

●     Aggressive periodontitis occurs in children and adults who are otherwise clinically healthy.

●     The necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bones.

Prevention And Treatment

The central theme that most of the dentists suggest is the importance of prevention.

●     The best treatment for gum disease is prevention- a regular schedule of good dental hygiene should be taught to a child, and it should become a way of life.

●     Brushing the teeth in the morning and before going to bed helps in prevention of gum diseases to a more significant extent.

Brushing The Teeth Is A Good Habit

●     Flossing is also a beneficial way of cleaning away the small food particulars and bacteria from the mouth.

●     If your child portrays initial signs of gingivitis, it can be treated through professional dental cleanings and by establishing good oral hygiene.

●     The diagnosis of gingivitis is based on clinical assessment data acquired during a comprehensive periodontal exam.

●     Usage of hydrogen peroxide is long considered a suitable medicine to counter the gingivitis.

●     Rigorous plaque control programs along with periodontal scaling also have proved to be helpful.

●     Many Dentists believe potent toothbrushes work better but they should be used carefully while brushing a child's teeth. 

●     Once your child visits the dentist for the first time, make sure to continue the checkup every six months.

●     Make sure, as a parent to act as a good role model by taking care of your tooth, too.

●     With limited usage, mouthwashes with essential oils may also be useful as they contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties such as thymol, menthol, and eucalyptol.

●     Overall, intensive hygiene care should be implemented in your child's life.

Childhood, being a period that should be given extra care, be sure to call the dentist right away if your child experiences a damaged tooth. It's no surprise cavities can get through into teeth, but if not taken proper care, the teeth can get knocked loose before their time.

Treatments Of Gum Diseases

According to Dr. Kimberli Leal, a New York Kids Dentist, when you provide your child with the best resources and teach them the right habits, it will ensure he/she gets to maintain a healthy smile an entire lifetime.