Know that your child’s teeth aren’t the only things to consider when it comes to their oral health. You need to explain how the gums play a huge part in it as well. Even if the teeth are cavity-free, it doesn’t mean that your gums are a hundred percent healthy. If you should know, periodontal problems are painless, so your child may not even know that they have gum disease.
What You Should Know About Gum Disease
This starts when plaque starts building up under and along your child’s gum line. Plaque is what you call the sticky film-like substance on your teeth and gums that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that affect the gum and bone, which results in tooth decay and gum disease.
The earliest stage of gum disease is Gingivitis, which makes their gums inflamed, tender, red, prone to bleeding, and even swollen. However, when detected early, the damage is reversible. You can go to your local dental clinic that specializes in family dentistry to have your child’s gums checked.
On the other hand, when the condition of your child’s gums becomes too severe, it may result in periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease. If it’s not treated, then it can ruin their gums, as well as the bones and tissue that connect to their teeth.
With this, it’s important that you ensure your child practices healthy dental practices at home and minimize their intake of foods that could cause bacteria to build up in their teeth and gums.
So what are the healthy dental habits they should practice so that they prevent the risk of gum disease?
Oral Health Habits That Keep Gums Healthy
1. Floss
Your child needs to floss at least once a day. It may be difficult for them to do at first. However, when you do it with them before going to bed, they’ll get a hang of it and make flossing a habit after they brush their teeth.
2. Have Them See Their Dentist
Whether you go to a dentist that specializes in pediatrics or family dentistry, you should go to a professional that has your child’s dental needs in mind and that can make them comfortable during every session. They should also undergo regular cleaning, so the dentist can monitor if there are signs of gum disease and even clean their teeth and gums to remove the bacteria in their mouth.
3. Make Sure That they Brush Their Teeth Twice a Day
There’s really no substitute for brushing their teeth every after meals. This helps in removing the food and plaque that’s stuck in between their teeth and gums. Make sure that they brush their family dentistry tongue too as it may also have bacteria.
4. Have Them Use a Safe Mouthwash
Mouthwash adds to cleaning up their mouth by rinsing off the plaque, reducing the speed that tartar develops, and reduce the risk of gingivitis. Make sure that your child uses ADA-approved therapeutic mouthwashes that are safe for their mouth. You can ask your dentist for mouthwash recommendations.
Do You Need Help in Your Child’s Oral Health?
Our dentists at Greater Washington Dentistry can help you. We have a team of professionals who offer their expertise in periodontics to offer advice and care to ensure your child maintains healthy gums long term. When you visit our clinic, you can rest assured your child will have a warm and comfortable environment wherein they get treatment and consultations for their oral health.
If you want to know more about the services we offer, feel free to contact us today.