Gum disease is all too common in adults. Approximately 50% of them have some form of this disease! Gum disease happens when bacteria and plaque aren’t routinely removed from the mouth. They then begin to irritate the teeth near the gumline and can create pockets of infection.
Although rare for children to develop gum disease, it can happen. Teenagers are more likely to show signs of gum disease than younger children. What can you do to prevent gum disease in your kids?
Teach Children Proper Dental Care
The best place to start with preventing gum disease is proper dental hygiene. This means
brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using fluoride if your dentist recommends it. You should start teaching your kids about how to properly care for their teeth as soon as they’re able to brush their own teeth!
Find a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child and teach them to brush gently and to brush the surface of every tooth. Have them floss once a day to remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria from the places they can’t reach. This can help reduce their chances for getting gum disease now and later in life!
Make the Dentist Part of Your Routine
The dentist is going to be an important part of your child’s oral care. It’s best to get your little one used to the dentist early—they should have their first appointment around the time that first baby tooth emerges! A good kid-friendly dentist can provide the necessary checkup and teeth cleaning your child needs to remain healthy.
You can also talk with your dentist about dental sealants, which may be a good idea to help
further protect your child’s teeth from plaque. Signs of gum disease include bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, loose permanent teeth, tooth sensitivity, and receding, sensitive, or bleeding gums.
Eat Healthy Snacks
Promoting good nutrition goes a long way towards protecting your child’s teeth. Not only will these habits help your child’s smile now, but they can set up future habits that will protect your child for life. This includes limiting sugar, eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and making water your main beverage.
Let your kids know that it’s ok to enjoy sugary snacks occasionally, just not all the time. Drinking water when consuming anything with sugar in it is a good idea, as it can act as a buffer for your teeth. Providing lots of healthy snacks at your home can help prevent childhood gum disease! Preventing gum disease is as easy as taking proper care of your smile. With children, they may need some extra supervision to ensure they’re doing a good job. You don’t have to do it alone. Regular checkups at the dentist can not only protect your child from gum disease, but from tooth decay as well. Encourage healthy brushing habits, visit your dentist, and eat healthy snacks. These tips will help you prevent gum disease for life!
