Preventing Gum Disease in Children: Tips for Parents on Promoting Healthy Gums

Promoting Healthy Little Mouths

As parents, we strive to help our children grow up healthy and strong in every possible way. Good dental hygiene is a big part of that, not just to prevent cavities but also to reduce the risk of gum disease. It’s never too early to start promoting healthy teeth and gums.

What is Gum Disease?

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky bacterial film, builds up on teeth, hardening into tartar, inflaming the gums, and promoting infection. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and it causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. When gingivitis is not addressed, it can turn into periodontitis, a more serious stage of gum disease that can cause bone and tooth loss. In children, gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. Some risks can’t be controlled, but there are things you can do to help your children keep their gums healthy.

Teaching Healthy Hygiene Habits

Good oral health begins with good oral hygiene. Failing brush and floss properly, especially when combined with a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar, increases the risk of gum disease. Parents must be proactive about monitoring their children’s dental hygiene, not just early, but also during adolescence, when hormones raise the risk of gum disease.

• Start as soon as your children have teeth. Even before they have teeth, clean the gums with a soft, damp cloth after each feeding. After the teeth begin to erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothpaste and a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Teach kids to brush twice a day. Once they’re old enough to begin brushing on their own, supervise your children and make sure they’re brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Keep supervising until they are at least seven or eight years old.
• Make flossing part of the routine. Start flossing your children’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth together. Floss together each night, as part of the bedtime routine, and when they’re old enough to begin flossing on their own, demonstrate good flossing techniques.
• Finish with a swish! Once your kids are old enough to be taught not to swallow it, introduce kid-friendly, antimicrobial mouthwash. This helps protect against gum disease by reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth.

Stressing the Importance of Nutrition

A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, full of fruits, vegetables, and protein, is important for your child’s dental health. Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt, make strong teeth and gums, while leafy greens, carrots, and apples can help keep teeth clean. Limit sugary foods and drinks, as these contribute to plaque buildup and gum disease. Encourage kids to drink plenty of water, to keep the mouth hydrated and rinse away food particles and bacteria.

Watching for Signs of Trouble

Even as you monitor your child’s oral hygiene and diet, it’s important to watch for signs of gum disease. These include red, swollen, receding, or tender gums, gums that bleed easily, bad breath, or loose teeth. If you notice any of these, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Keeping it Fun

Make sure your children see you practicing good dental hygiene, and teach proper techniques by doing it together, as a family. Let them pick toothbrushes with their favorite characters, use a timer or play music to make sure they’re brushing for the right length of time, and reward them for good habits, maybe with a sticker chart. Stress the importance of a healthy mouth, and speak positively about the dentist, as someone who helps keep their smiles healthy and beautiful.

Finding the Right Partner in Oral Health

One of the best things you can do to protect your children’s teeth and gums is to schedule regular dental appointments with an experienced dentist. At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric dentistry, along with many other dental services, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.