At Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, our number one goal is to help educate both our patients and their parents on the best oral hygiene practices to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and tooth decay in their little ones. While many families are aware of the dangers of cavities and tooth decay, we get several questions about how to best prevent gum disease in children. We’re here to provide our expert guidance on this important topic.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease can affect children just like it can affect adults. It starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and harden into tartar, leading to inflamed gums. Early signs to look for in your children are swollen, red, and bloody gums. Once you notice any of these signs in your child, you should call our office at (805) 421-4469 right away. If gum disease is left untreated, it can progress and cause even more issues in your child.
Causes and Symptoms
Because our little ones aren’t always able to notice signs and symptoms themselves, it is important for parents to know what to look for and when to call our office. Children can develop gum disease if they don’t have good and consistent oral hygiene habits, and genetics can play a role in their predisposition as well. Some symptoms parents can look at for include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
Teach Good Oral Hygiene Habits
You can help prevent gum disease in your children by teaching and modeling good oral hygiene habits for them to follow. Here are a few good habits to help your children stay clear of gum disease and to maintain happy, healthy smiles.
- Proper Brushing: Remind your child to thoroughly brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, with a fluoride toothpaste and supervise them to ensure they reach each and every tooth.
- Daily Flossing: Model the importance of flossing and join your child in flossing to remove any excess food particles between their teeth.
- Mouthwash: End every day with a child-friendly antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Remember to schedule regular dental visits with Dr. Cox so our team at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry can maintain your child’s oral health and preventative treatment.
Encourage a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet, avoiding excess sugar intake, and staying hydrated are all simple little acts that can help prevent gum disease, and will promote better overall health in your children. Help your child to have a balanced diet by offering plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources. Limit snacks and beverages with excess sugar, and your child will gravitate to healthier options. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. Proper hydration can help wash away unwanted food particles and bacteria.
Tailored Prevention Plans
At Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, we understand that every child is unique, and every smile is unique! We create personalized prevention plans based on your child’s specific needs. During your child’s first visit, we will assess their medical history, lifestyle, and current oral health to develop a customized plan that works best for them and keeps their smile healthy.
Ready to start your child’s journey to optimal oral health? Schedule an appointment with Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry by calling our office at (805) 421-4469. We look forward to helping your child achieve a healthy smile!
