The risks of tooth decay in children are well-known, but not so many parents are aware of gum disease—an equally harmful and painful condition. Even if your child is cavity-free, gum inflammation can become the source of several oral health issues, frequent visits to the pediatric periodontist in Hawaii, and a lot of headaches.
Luckily, preventing gum disease is as easy as preventing cavities: you just need to promote good oral hygiene habits, ensure they floss, and maintain a healthy diet filled with foods that support their gums’ growth!
Can Children Develop Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mouth’s gum tissue and is characterized by noticeable gum inflammation. Without treatment, the bacteria will start to destroy the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, leading to sensitivity, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
While gum disease is most prevalent in adults, children can develop it too—especially if they have bad oral hygiene habits. Gingivitis is caused by plaque accumulation along the gum line, promoted by leftover food debris that wasn’t flossed properly. Over time, this bacterial plaque releases acids that cause the gums to recede.
This exposes the teeth’s roots, their most sensitive place, making them prone to tooth decay, discomfort, and eventually tooth loss.
How Can I Identify Gum Disease in My Child?
There are mild and severe forms of periodontal disease. Most kids with gum disease have gingivitis, which is the mildest kind. This level of the disease causes the gums to become red, swollen, and sore.
Children rarely have more severe forms of gum disease. In its initial stages, gum disease isn’t painful, making it harder to diagnose. However, some common symptoms to look out for include:
- Sore, red, and swollen gums
- Bleeding during flossing or brushing
- Gums that recede (pull away from the teeth)
- Loose or separating teeth that show greater than normal spacing
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- A shift in the alignment of the jaw and bite
These symptoms could be mistaken for other medical issues and easily underestimated. For that reason, regular visits to an oral health provider are crucial to identify them early on.
Best Foods to Prevent Gum Disease in Children
The best way to prevent plaque accumulation that causes gum disease is to instruct your child in good oral care habits early on. Nevertheless, if you’d like to top up your child’s defenses, a good diet can do wonders for their gum health—especially during their developmental years.
Some foods all periodontists would recommend to a growing child include:
1. Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables are great for your child’s mouth. Unknown to most, these plants contain a lot of calcium, which helps strengthen children’s enamel—and it’s crucial during their developmental years.
Additionally, leafy greens contain vitamins A and C, and folic acid, which help fight gum inflammation and support tissue repair.
2. Dairy Products
Cheese, yogurt, milk, and other dairy products are high in calcium and phosphates, strengthening teeth and neutralizing mouth acids, supporting healthy gums and tooth enamel.
Moreover, many of these products contain probiotics, which support good bacteria in the mouth and help reduce the presence of harmful bacteria linked to gum disease.
3. Apples
Apples and other fruits have a fibrous texture, which is ideal for stimulating saliva flow. Their crunchy nature stimulates the gums and increases saliva, helping wash away food particles and bacteria.
4. Carrots and Celery
Similarly to apples, carrots, and celery are two crunchy vegetables that stimulate saliva production and naturally scrub your child’s teeth. Moreover, they’re excellent sources of fiber and vitamin A, which fosters good gum health.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are natural omega-3s and vitamin E, with anti-inflammatory properties supporting gum health. Some good examples are almonds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
6. Oranges and Strawberries
Fruits like oranges and strawberries, high in vitamin C and antioxidants, help strengthen blood vessels and connective tissues, reducing the risk of gum bleeding and inflammation.
Vitamin C promotes collagen production, essential for strong, healthy gums. Additionally, antioxidants help protect gum tissues from damage.
7. Whole Grains
Foods like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat are rich in complex carbohydrates and B vitamins that support gum tissue health and reduce inflammation.
8. Fatty Fish
Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish like salmon or sardines are known to reduce inflammation and help manage periodontal disease. Moreover, salmon contains vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium effectively.
9. Eggs
Eggs are rich in Vitamin D, protein, and phosphorus, which are all crucial nutrients and minerals for your child’s gum health. Vitamin D and phosphorus help build and maintain strong teeth and bones. Moreover, protein supports tissue repair, including the gums.
10. Water
While not a food, water is crucial to a healthy diet.
Water is crucial in washing away leftover foods, sugars, or acids. It also helps stimulate saliva production and neutralize acids, fostering a healthy oral microbiome.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease in Children?
If your dentist suspects your child may have gum disease, they’ll refer you to a periodontist, a type of dentist specialized in gum health. Then, this professional can suggest various treatment options depending on the severity of the case.
Some common methods for treating gingivitis in children include:
- Good Dental Care: Teaching your child how to improve their oral hygiene routine can reduce gum inflammation. Simply by brushing after every meal for at least two minutes and flossing daily, we can start to notice an improvement.
- Dental Cleaning: Gingivitis, the mildest type of gum disease, can be fought with regular dental cleanings.
- Scaling and Root Planing: In the early stages of the disease, this treatment can help remove the infected tissue, plaque, and tartar beneath the gums. Additionally, it can smooth the teeth’s damaged root surfaces so that the gums can reattach to the teeth.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with a Pediatric Periodontist in Hawaii
Gum disease in children isn’t as common as tooth decay, but it’s still a harmful condition to be aware of. Children with antecedents of gingivitis in their family or kids who struggle to maintain good oral care habits can be more prone to this condition, making paying attention to their oral health key.
Here at KidShine Pediatric Dental Group, we aim to become your ally when protecting your child’s smile. If you suspect your children have gingivitis—or would like to learn more about how to prevent it—contact us today!