How to Tell if Your Child is Suffering from Gum Disease

Posted on December 1, 2018

Part of caring for your child’s oral health is looking after the health of their gums. Because gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) develops very progressively, it’s important to be aware of certain symptoms of the disease in order to have it treated at Jacaranda Smiles before it can spread to other tissues such as the dental roots or alveolar bones.
Tender gum tissue or bleeding gums
The gums may start to hurt when eating, flossing, or brushing. Infected gums may also bleed after flossing or eating. Having tender or bleeding gums may make it difficult to properly perform oral care, which can lead to further problems in the soft tissues or teeth. When you notice these symptoms, see your dentist in Plantation and Pembroke, FL for periodontal treatment as soon as possible.
Receding gum tissue
This may look as if the teeth are longer than before. Receding gum tissue can eventually expose the roots of the teeth, putting them at risk of becoming infected by food particles or bacteria.
Inflamed gums
The gums become inflamed or swollen as a result of an infection in the tissues. As the body sends blood cells to fight the infection, you might notice that the gums feel warmer. Swollen gum tissue will be sensitive to the touch. Until you can make a dental appointment, having your child rinse with cool water may help with discomfort.
Tooth pain
Your child may complain of pain in their teeth if the infection is located below the gums. The bacteria that causes gingivitis can also affect the teeth.
Loose teeth
If one or more of your child’s teeth are loose, and they are not baby teeth, it could be a sign of periodontal disease. It’s important to see your dentist at Jacaranda Smiles in either Pembroke or Plantation, FL as soon as possible in order to stabilize the tooth and prevent it from falling out.
Chronic halitosis
Occasional bad breath happens, but a consistent bad odor in your child’s breath could be caused by an infection. Brushing and flossing will not be sufficient to get rid of it.
A bad taste in the mouth
If your child complains of a constant bad taste in their mouth and mouthwash or oral hygiene won’t get rid of it, it could be due to gum disease inflammation. This symptom could make drinking and eating difficult.
If you have noticed any of these signs in your child’s oral health, make an appointment at Jacaranda Smiles at either our Pembroke or Plantation offices to receive periodontal treatment and restore health to the teeth and gums as soon as possible.