Introduction
February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, and with good reason: it’s one of the most common oral diseases affecting adults and kids alike. Gum disease can cause tooth loss, pain, bad breath and even heart problems if left untreated. But there are some simple steps you can take to prevent gum disease from happening in your child’s mouth!
How can parents help their kids avoid gum disease?
- Make sure your kids brush their teeth twice a day, once before bed and once after breakfast.
Teach kids how to properly brush their teeth by starting at an age-appropriate time with soft toothbrushes and small amounts of fluoride toothpaste. They should start by brushing their front teeth first and then move on to the back molars before rinsing out their mouth with water, which will help prevent cavities from forming in between teeth surfaces that we cannot even see when looking at someone’s smile!
- Encourage them to floss daily.
- Help your kids understand that a healthy diet is important for good oral health.
- See a dentist regularly, at least annually or as recommended by the dentist.
Plaque is the leading cause of gum disease
Gum disease is caused by plaque — a sticky film that constantly forms on our teeth. When plaque isn’t removed from your mouth, bacteria in it will begin to multiply and release toxins in your mouth. This can lead to inflammation, swelling and bleeding gums if left untreated.
When should kids start seeing a dentist?
As a parent, you will want to establish a relationship with your child’s dentist as soon as possible. Not only does it help kids become comfortable going to the dentist, but it also helps them learn how to take care of their teeth at an early age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children start seeing the dentist by age 1 and have regular check-ups starting at 2 years old. This is particularly important because young mouths may not be able to handle dental treatments until they are older. By establishing an early relationship with your child’s dentist, you can ensure that they are getting quality care throughout their lives and teach them what they need to know about oral hygiene at an early age!
Gum disease can be prevented with regular dental check-ups, daily brushing and flossing and a healthy diet.
Gum disease is a serious problem. There are many different types of gum disease, but they all have the same root cause: poor oral hygiene. Gum disease can be prevented with regular dental check-ups, daily brushing, and flossing, as well as a healthy diet. The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis – it only affects the gums, which become red and swollen due to bacterial infection. If left untreated for too long, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that affects not only your gums but also your jawbone and supporting tissues around teeth’s roots. Because periodontal problems go unnoticed until they reach their advanced stages, it’s important for you to visit our office regularly so we can catch them early on before they do more damage!
Conclusion
Oral health is an important part of your overall health. Gum disease can lead to serious infections, so it’s important to be proactive about your dental care and visit your dentist for regular check-ups. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, it’s also a good idea for parents to monitor their kids’ diet and make sure they’re eating healthy foods that promote strong teeth and gums as well as regular visits with their pediatrician or family doctor for general check-ups.
About Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama
Pediatric Dental Associates of Alabama is led by top-rated pediatric dentists with locations in Birmingham, Cullman, Hoover, Medplex, Oxford, and Pell City. When looking for your child’s dentist, know that we aspire to be the premier provider of pediatric dental services in Alabama. We also provide orthodontics in our Hoover, Medplex, and Cullman locations. Be the reason someone smiles today!