Most people think about gum disease as an adult issue; however, kids can develop gum disease too. This is why seeing a pediatric dental specialist in Kearney regularly is such a good idea. Keeping your child’s mouth healthy is essential to having good oral health as an adult. Parents often aren’t sure what to look for or how to know what gum disease looks like in children. In this article, we will talk about the signs of gum disease and how to help prevent it from keeping your child’s gums and teeth healthy!

What Exactly is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a gum infection that causes damage to the soft tissue. It can also eat away at the bones that keeps your teeth in place. Without this structure, teeth can become loose or even fall out. The good news is gum disease is preventable and curable with regular care from a Kearney pediatric dental specialist.

How Do I know if My Child Has Gum Disease?

Healthy gums should be pain-free, pink in color, and fit around the tooth to keep it in place. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, call your kids dentist in Kearney right away to make sure and avoid permanent damage:

• Excess swelling
• Purple coloring like bruising
• Bloody gums
• Pain when chewing or drinking
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away

How Can I Prevent My Child From Getting Gum Disease?

1. Keep good dental hygiene a priority. It’s normal not to want to fight the battle of brushing their teeth multiple times a day. However, it will become a habit and less of a hassle over time. A kids dentist in Kearney, suggests brushing three times a day or after every meal. This ensures that food particles, sugars, and starches don’t sit on the surface of the tooth and gums for long periods. This is when cavities and gum disease starts developing.
2. Protect their teeth at night. You might notice that your child is complaining about their jaw being sore and their teeth hurt when they chew. This could be a sign of clenching or grinding, affecting the mouth, jaw, teeth, and gums. Talk to your Kearney pediatric dental specialist about other ways to help with this problem.
3. Changes in hormones as children become teenagers. Hormones have a very important job of changing the body in good ways, but they can also cause some unwanted side effects. The onset of puberty has been known to cause your child’s gums to be more sensitive than normal. Make sure that their teeth and gums stay healthy and clean from food debris. This is essential to decreasing unwanted side effects.

At Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry, a leading pediatric dental specialist in Kearney, we understand that going to the dentist during the summer can feel like a hassle. However, it’s our goal to create a fun and relaxing environment for all stages of childhood, making the dentist a fun experience for all.

Give us a call at (816) 781-5437 or visit our website to schedule your child’s next appointment with a top Kearney pediatric dentistry.