Children – very young children in particular – can find it hard, if not impossible, to let you know if there’s something wrong with their gums. Gum disease can cause major problems in children, affecting not only the gums but their teeth as well. Here are a few of the causes of gum disease in children, as well as ways to tell if there might be something wrong with your child’s dental health.
Causes
There are a lot of reasons why a child may develop gum disease. It could be a genetic issue, or there may be food stuck in the gums that you don’t know about. Some children tend to breathe through their mouths. This can dry out the gums as well as the teeth, especially in the front portion of the mouth. Grinding of teeth, also known as bruxism, can also be a cause of gum disease, as can taking certain medications.
Symptoms
There are a lot of signs that will tell you whether or not your child is experiencing gum issues – if you know what to look for.
Red, swollen gums are a sign of gum disease, as is bleeding while brushing. If you notice the gums pulling away from the teeth, or teeth that have larger spaces than normal, those are also indications of a problem. If the child has bad breath or you notice a change in the alignment of his or her jaws, those are also red flags.
If you have any reason to think your child is suffering from gum disease, get to Smile Time Dental as soon as you can. The faster this issue is treated, the faster we can get your child’s mouth back to full health. If you would like to schedule an appointment, send a text to 281-245-0711.