Posted on 6/22/2020 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
Are you concerned that your child may have gingivitis? While kids do often learn good oral hygiene habits, they're also not always as dedicated to brushing and flossing as adults. They may miss some spots or not really work the floss through their teeth as well as they should. This can leave them open to developing gingivitis. While we will certainly look for signs of gingivitis during your child's checkup, you may want to schedule an earlier appointment if you see any of the following signs.
Swollen Gums that Bleed When Brushed
Just like with adults, gingivitis in children does lead to red gums that bleed when brushed or while flossing. This is one of the easiest signs to see. It's not uncommon for gums to bleed if you child brushes too hard or if they have just started flossing, so don't panic right away. Instead, watch their gums when they brush and take note if the bleeding lasts for more than a few weeks. If it does, it's likely gingivitis, and it's time to make an appointment.
Persistent Bad Breath
Another sign of gingivitis is persistent bad breath. Since your children, especially young children, may often want hugs or want to cuddle with you, you may notice this fairly easily. Again, bad breath every now and then could be attributed to food, but if it's persistent, there's another issue. While many things can cause bad breath, gingivitis is one of the most common.
Receding Gums
Another easy-to-spot sign of gingivitis is receding gums. You may notice that your child's teeth appear longer than usual. What's actually happening is that the gums are pulling back, exposing more of the tooth. This can cause teeth to start to separate or become loose.
If you've noticed any of these symptoms, especially if you see several of them, it's time to give us a call. If we can start treating gingivitis early, your child won't have to worry about any long-term issues.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101 + (316) 202-9629 + tinyteethwichita.com + 10/4/2024 + Page Phrases: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS +