Stittsville and Ottawa Dentist – Children Periodontal Disease Care at Capital Smiledocs Dental

children periodontal disease care
Many people think of periodontal disease as an adult problem. However, studies indicate that nearly all children and adolescents have gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are rarer in children than adults, but can occur.
Types of periodontal diseases in children
Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.
Periodontitis associated with systemic disease occurs in children and adolescents as it does in adults. Conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:
- Type I diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Kindler syndrome
- Papillon-Lefevre syndrome
For example, in a survey of 263 Type I diabetics, 11 to 18 years of age, 10 percent had overt periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease Runs in the Family
Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Researchers suggest that the bacteria which cause periodontal disease may be passed from one person to another though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.
Genetics may also play a major role in the onset and severity of periodontal disease. Researchers found that Up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease. Therefore, if one family member has periodontal disease, it is a good idea for all family members to see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.
Adolescence and oral care
Evidence shows that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene. Children who maintain good oral health habits up until the teen years are more likely to continue brushing and flossing than children who were not taught proper oral care.
Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for getting periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.
As teen progresses through puberty, the tendency for the gums to swell in response to irritants will lessen. However, during puberty, it is very important to follow a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental care. In some cases, a dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.
Advice for parents
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. Be aware that if your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.
Many medications can dry out the mouth or pose other threats to oral health. Be sure to tell your dental professional about any medications your family members are taking.
Monitor your family to see if anyone has the habit of teeth grinding. Grinding can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, in addition to causing cracked or chipped teeth. Dentists can make custom-fitted night bite guards to prevent teeth grinding at night.
Researchers suggest periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. If one family member has periodontal disease, all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal evaluation.
The most important preventive step against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child. There are basic preventive steps to help your child maintain good oral health:
- Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
- Serve as a good role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself.
- Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, periodontal evaluations and cleanings.
- Check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.
If your child currently has poor oral health habits, work with your child to change these now. It’s much easier to modify these habits in a child than in an adult. Since your child models behavior after you, it follows that you should serve as a positive role model in your oral hygiene habits. A healthy smile, good breath and strong teeth all contribute to a young person’s sense of personal appearance, as well as confidence and self-esteem. Make sure to bring your child in for their regular cleaning and exam, where periodontal disease can be prevented and caught early.
Children Dentist Stittsville, Ottawa, Carp, Kanata and Surrounding Areas.
Children Dentist Stittsville, Ottawa, Carp, Kanata and Surrounding Areas.
Scheduling Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Children dentist in Stitsville, Ottawa, Carp, Kanata and surrounding areas.
Although most parents record big milestones like first steps or first words, few people acknowledge the importance of the first dental visit. Ideally, your child should have an initial visit by age one with a children dentist. Around three, you should begin to schedule regular appointments.
Children Dentist at Capital Smiledocs Dental
Why does my child need to see the dentist at such a young age?
Once teeth being to erupt, you should have a children dentist check out your child’s mouth. Dental problems can start early, so the sooner the appointment, the better. Your child’s teeth are smaller than adult teeth and it doesn’t take long for a cavity to reach the pulp in the middle of the teeth where the nerves and blood vessels are. Once decay infects the pulp your child will develop severe pain and is at risk of developing a dental abscess. If not treated right away, the dental abscess can start to travel in the blood circulation and travel spread else where in your child’s body.
During your child’s visit, your children dentist can also examine for other common problemsand provide recommendations about common issues like thumb sucking, pacifier use, and baby bottle decay.
How do I prepare for the first visit?
When you schedule the appointment with a children dentist, ask the dental office for details about the process so you won’t be surprised. Gently explain to your child about what to expect when they go to the children dentist. Have a plan in place so that you are prepared whether your child has a positive or negative reaction to the visit.
What happens at this appointment?
Often, this first experience is just an opportunity to introduce your child to the children dentist and office. If the child cooperates, the visit may include an examination of the whole mouth, a gentle cleaning, and X-rays.
Children Dentist serving Stittsville, Kanata, Carp, Ottawa and Surrounding Areas
If you have any questions regarding your child’s oral health, contact Capital Smiledocs Dental. We have two convenient locations in Stittsville and Ottawa South. Children dentist serving Stittsville, Carp, Kanata, Ottawa and surrounding areas.