Oral Health for Children
Like adults, children can and sometimes do develop diseases of the mouth. Children are even more vulnerable to damaging bacteria due to their lack of fine motor skills when it comes to brushing, as well as their propensity for sugary foods and snacks. To prevent dental problems like cavities or periodontal disease, all school-age children should continue with regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene at home. Establishing good habits early will help ensure your child's healthy, radiant smile well into adulthood.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are most often applied to the back teeth to help protect the grooves and fissures of the teeth that can sometimes be the most challenging to clean for children who are just starting to get control of their fine motor skills. Because they are hard to reach, the back teeth (molars) are the most prone to cavity-causing bacteria. A dental sealant is a material that is applied to the tooth and then allowed to harden, creating an impenetrable barrier between the tooth enamel and the cavity-causing bacteria, as well as other harmful substances like excessive sugars. Sealants should be applied to the 1st and 2nd permanent molars and appropriate premolars after they have fully erupted (usually after 6 years of age). Sealants can offer that extra added protection against childhood cavities!
Types of Periodontal Diseases in Children
Chronic gingivitis is common in children, and includes swelling and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is preventable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. However, if left untreated it has the potential to advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
Localized aggressive periodontitis can affect young people, and is usually found in teenagers and young adults. This form of periodontitis primarily affects the first molars and the incisors. It is characterized by severe loss of bone in the jaws. However, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus, and experience little to no pain.
Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and can involve the entire mouth. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums and the heavy accumulation of plaque and calculus (calcified deposits on the teeth). Eventually, it can cause the teeth to become loose, affecting the look and function of your child's jaw. Chewing may become impaired, as well as talking effectively. Additionally, children with loose or missing teeth are likely to experience teasing and other social challenges, which may lead to lower self-esteem and self-confidence.
Periodontitis associated with systemic disease occurs in children and adolescents, just as it does in adults. Health conditions that may make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:
- Type I Diabetes
- Down Syndrome
- Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome
If your child has any of the conditions mentioned above, please call us for information on how to best protect your child's teeth.
Teens and Hormones and Puberty … oh, my!
Halitosis, gingivitis, and periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice good oral hygiene. However, 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 when they were young.
Teens may be at greater risk for periodontal disease due to the hormonal changes that take place between the ages of 10 and 18. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones (progesterone, estrogen, testosterone) causes increased circulation to the gums. Occasionally, this will result in increased sensitivity of the gums and lead to a greater reactivity to the mild irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may swell, turn red, or feel sore.
As your teen progresses normally through puberty, though, symptoms should dissipate. However, during puberty it is very important for your teen to follow a good personal oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental exams.
Some things to remember
- Establish good oral health habits early. Remember, "First visit by first birthday!"
- Be a good role model. Practice good oral health care habits so your child can learn from you.
- Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, periodontal evaluations, and cleanings.
- Check your child's mouth for signs of periodontal disease. Symptoms include bleeding gums, swollen and red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth, and bad breath.
For all children, you should:
- Clean their teeth with a washcloth or baby toothbrush until they can do it themselves. Check with us to find out if you should use a fluoride toothpaste.
- NEVER put your baby to bed with a bottle.
- Provide healthy foods and limit high sugar content snacks and drinks.
- Provide low-fat milk and dairy products that are high in calcium.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups.
For more information about proper oral health care during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and the teen years, please call us. We'd love be your family's primary dental health care provider!
