Periodontal disease in children
Many people think that gum disease is a problem that only affects adults. However, studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly universally in children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than in adults but can occur.
Types of periodontal disease in children
Chronic Gingivitis: it is common in children. Usually causes inflammation of the gingival tissue, which becomes red and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be prevented and treated with a regular routine dental care, brushing, the flossing and professional care. However, if allowed to proceed, it may eventually evolve into forms of periodontal disease more severe. Periodontitis Aggressive can affect the young people who are completely healthy in other respects. Localized aggressive periodontitis in adolescents and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by severe loss of alveolar bone, but at the same time, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis: may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is characterized by inflammation of the gums and the large accumulation of plaque and calculus. Can eventually lead to tooth mobility and subsequent loss.
Periodontitis associated with systemic diseases, occurs in children and adolescents as it does in adults. The conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include: · Diabetes Type I · · Down Syndrome. Papillon-Lefevre syndrome, for example, in a review of 263 type I diabetics in children 11 to 18 age, 10 percent had periodontitis manifest.
Signs of periodontal disease
There are four basic signs of periodontal disease
Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing or any other time. The presence of swollen, red and shiny. Gingival recession that sometimes exposes the roots. The constant bad breath that can not be eliminated brushing and flossing. Adolescence and oral care Evidence suggests that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene. Children who maintain good oral health habits to 10 years are more likely to continue with the habits of brushing and flossing than children who were not taught about proper oral care. The hormonal changes associated with puberty may influence a greater risk for periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, causes increased blood flow to the gums. This can cause an increased sensitivity of the gums and lead to further reaction or response to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, gums may become swollen, red and be sore. As adolescents progress to puberty, the tendency for the gums to become inflamed in response to irritants decrease. However, during puberty, it is very important to have good oral hygiene regimen at home, including brushing, flossing, and dental checks for. In some cases, the dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent damage to the hard and soft tissues surrounding the teeth.
Indications parents dentist
Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits. The dentist should inform parents that if your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. We consider a general medical evaluation for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if there is resistance to therapy.
Many medications can dry out the mouth or other treatments affect oral health, for which the professional should ask about any medication that may be taking family members. Monitor questioning the family to see if anyone there has the habit of teeth grinding or bruxism. Bruxism may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease and cause fissures or cracks in the teeth. In this case this should indicate a protective plate to be used at night to prevent it. The researchers suggest periodontal disease transmission through saliva. This means the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for periodontal disease. If a family member has periodontal disease, all family members should consider professional counseling for a periodontal evaluation.
The most important preventive step against the disease is to establish good oral health habits of children. The basic preventive steps to help your child maintain good oral health are: To establish good health habits early. When the child is 12 months old, you can begin to use toothpaste when brushing your teeth. However, only applies to the portion size of a pea on the brush and press it into the bristles to avoid the child swallowing. And when the diastema is closed, it is important to start flossing. Teach by example by practicing good oral health habits. · Attend regularly to control dental checkups for the family, periodontal evaluations and cleanings. Review the child’s mouth for signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swelling and redness of the same, gingival recession and bad breath.
If the child currently has poor oral habits, we must work to change them. It is much easier to modify these habits in a child than an adult. The adult must be a positive role model in the role of oral hygiene.
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