Periodontal Treatments for Children Periodontal disease is a serious infection that is caused by the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Also known as gum disease, this dental problem not only destroys the gums, but also impacts the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease affects both children and adults, which gives rise to the need of periodontal treatments. What Causes Periodontal Disease In Children?Plaque is the main perpetrator of periodontal disease. Plaque builds up in your mouth every day when you eat or drink something. It contains bacteria that sticks to the teeth, which must be removed through brushing and flossing. However, when plaque isn’t removed, it starts to harden, forming tartar or calculus. The more poor oral hygiene habits a child has, the more likely it will be for plaque to turn into tartar, resulting in periodontal disease. Which Children Are at a Higher Risk of Gum Disease?There are certain children that have a higher risk of getting periodontal disease. Here are some things that increase the potential chances of a child getting periodontal disease.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease in ChildrenPeriodontal disease can either be mild or severe. A majority of children that suffer from periodontal disease often get the mildest kind – gingivitis. This gum disease results in red, sore, and swollen gums. Also, advanced cases of periodontal disease aren’t very common among children. Since periodontal disease isn’t very painful, most children don’t even know they have it.
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, their dentist will probably refer them to a periodontist as they have specialized training to treat periodontal disease. Periodontal Treatments for ChildrenThere are various periodontal treatments that depend on the general health, age, and symptoms of your child. The treatment your child will receive also largely depends on how severe the condition is. Periodontal treatments for children may include one or a combination of the following. Proper Dental CareGetting regular checkups and deep cleanings at the dentist can help your child fight gingivitis. Also, brushing and flossing every day is a major part of dental care when it comes to gum disease. MedicineYour child’s dentist may inject antibiotics in their periodontal pockets or may give them to your child in the form of pills to fight the bacteria. Scaling and Root PlaningRoot planing and scaling is part of the deep cleaning process that helps get rid of plaque below and above the gums and smoothes out the damaged root surfaces of the teeth. A dentist will make sure to clean and smooth the teeth to get rid of any remaining bacteria. Bone GraftYour child’s dentist may recommend a bone graft if the bone around your child’s tooth root is permanently damaged. This process involves the replacement of the damaged bone by another bone from the patient’s body. Gum and Tissue GraftAnother periodontal treatment that can help gum recession is a gum and tissue graft. Gum disease can cause gum recession, making teeth look longer than they are. SurgeryAdvanced gum disease requires proper cleaning of the infected areas under the gums. This requires the reshaping or replacing of tissue, which requires surgery. If you are searching for a periodontist to take your child to, JP Dental & Implant Center is here for you. You can call us at (970) 822-7622 for a consultation now. |
