Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth. It occurs when plaque builds up in the mouth and hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection around the gumline. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other serious dental problems.

Although gum disease is often associated with older adults, it’s important to understand that teens are not exempt from this common oral health concern. In fact, studies have shown that adolescents have a higher risk of gum disease due to various factors.

Here’s what you need to know about teens and gum disease.

Why Are Teens at Higher Risk for Gum Disease?

There are a few reasons why teens have a higher risk of gum disease.

• Braces. Teens wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances may find it challenging to clean their teeth properly. Without proper oral hygiene practices like flossing, plaque and food particles can get trapped between brackets and wires, increasing the risk of gum disease.
• Crowded teeth. Adolescents with crowded teeth may have trouble thoroughly cleaning all tooth surfaces, increasing their risk for gum inflammation and disease [1].
• Diet. Eating sugary or starchy snacks can lead to more plaque in the oral cavity, which can irritate the gum tissue if your teen doesn’t practice proper oral hygiene.
• Hormones. During puberty, the body undergoes hormonal shifts, which can increase blood flow to the gums and make them more sensitive, with girls being more susceptible to these changes [2].
• Vaping and tobacco use. Vaping and tobacco use can irritate the gum tissue and lead to increased plaque buildup, affecting your teen’s oral health and increasing their risk of gum disease [3].

In addition, many teens are sleep deprived, with about 70% not getting the recommended nine hours of sleep per night [4]. Sleep plays a crucial role in the immune system. The immune system is responsible for fighting gum disease, so if your teen isn’t getting enough rest, their body may not be able to fight off the infection present in gum disease.

Some health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and diabetes, can also increase the risk for gum disease during adolescence, as can certain medications that cause dry mouth, like antidepressants and antihistamines [5].

How to Encourage Healthy Gums for Your Teen

Parents can do a few things to help their teens have healthy gums to support healthy teeth. Educating them on the importance of proper oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental check-ups is crucial to protecting their smiles.

It’s also essential to encourage a healthy diet and educate your teen about the dangers of smoking and vaping, which can impact their teeth and gums as well as their bodily health long-term.

If your teen hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, schedule a consultation to see if they could benefit from straighter teeth that will help reduce crowding and associated problems.

Healthy Gums Support Healthy Teeth

Although your teen may think gum health isn’t important, healthy gums are necessary for healthy teeth. Since your teenager’s risk for gum disease will increase as they age, it’s imperative to encourage good oral hygiene habits now to protect their smile!

Sources:
1. https://answers.childrenshospital.org/kids-and-gum-disease/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8849144/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/oral-hygiene-in-adolescents
4. https://childmind.org/article/happens-teenagers-dont-get-enough-sleep/
5.
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspxcontenttypeid=90&contentid=p01865