Gingivitis is one of the most common health concerns dealt with by children and teens. And of course, adults get it as well. What starts as a mild inflammation of the gum line can quickly cause worse problems if not treated. These problems include tooth loss as well as tooth decay.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes gums to become inflamed. The core symptoms of gingivitis are red, puffy gums along the gumline, as well as bleeding when brushing or flossing. Gum tenderness or gums that are receding are also signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is fairly common and is caused by plaque along the gumlines.
The best way to prevent gingivitis is with proper oral care. Brushing your teeth properly twice per day and flossing daily can prevent gingivitis. These habits can remove plaque and food from your teeth and gum line and prevent infection. Additionally, avoiding foods or beverages with high acidity and sugar contents like soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks, can also help prevent gum disease.
If your gums are very tender, bleed easily, or you notice receding, you should consider setting up a dental exam. Your dentist can make recommendations to help prevent gingivitis from getting worse. Like all things dental, the best solutions are early preventative measures. Otherwise, gingivitis could eventually lead to your teeth rotting and falling out. It is important to see your dentist annually, and it is recommended that you see your dentist twice per year. Regular dental visits can prevent small problems from growing into larger issues.
There are a variety of gum disease treatments. Although the best option is to catch it early and work with better brushing and flossing, in cases where the gum disease has become more severe, a dentist may need to provide additional services. During a regular cleaning, a pediatric dentist can remove any plaque that may be difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone. This is why dentists recommend two visits a year, beyond checking for issues, dentists can provide services that regular brushing and flossing just can’t do. But if the damage is extensive, it may require a procedure like a root canal or the removal of the affected tooth before the decay can spread.
At All Pro Dental in Revere Massachusetts, we help children of all ages with our dental services. From regular cleanings to specific dental procedures, if you need help with your child’s dentistry, please give us a call or use our contact form to set up an appointment.
Monday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Tuesday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Thursday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Friday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed