You might not think your child is at risk for gum disease, but it occurs more often than parents expect. As you teach your child good dental care habits, you will need to keep an eye out for the signs of gum disease and know what to do if you see them. The pediatric dentistry team at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, shares some information regarding how to protect your child from gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums with bacteria that can eat away at the tissue and destroy the teeth and their supporting bone. It occurs when plaque or tartar stay on the teeth for too long, and the bacteria inflame the gums. The disease will start out relatively mild as gingivitis, which is fairly easy to treat and won’t cause permanent damage. However, if it’s not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and the resulting pockets of space get infected. This can lead to permanent tooth and bone loss.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Since gum disease should be treated as soon as possible, all parents should be on the constant lookout for the common warning signs. The disease might first show itself with tender, red, and inflamed gums. Your child might complain of pain when brushing and the gums might even bleed. Your child could have bad breath all the time, even just after brushing their teeth. If the gums recede enough, the teeth can start to loosen.

If you notice any of these signs or are otherwise concerned about your child’s dental hygiene, bring them into Pediatric Dental Group. They provide experienced dental care with a gentle touch, keeping your child comfortable and healthy. Call them at (808) 593-8828 to schedule your teeth cleaning and exam appointment, or visit them online to learn about home dental care.