Gingivitis is a form of gum disease caused by bacteria found in plaque. It leads to inflammation and if not treated, can progress to more severe forms of gum disease. It’s more common in children because they don’t always brush and floss well, which leads to a buildup of plaque. Here are some ways to help your child avoid gingivitis.

How to Help Your Child Fight Gingivitis

1. Help Them Brush & Floss Properly

Inadequate brushing and flossing is a leading cause of gingivitis, so it’s important to make sure your child has good dental hygiene. Children under 5 years old will usually need supervision, and you should help them brush twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bed.

Flossing should be done once a day, and kids may need help until the age of 10. These younger years are a good time to teach your child the right dental hygiene habits. Older children can brush and floss effectively by themselves, but it’s good to remind them of how important dental hygiene is in case they are skipping or not taking the time to do it properly. 

2. Take Care With Their Diet 

Diet is an important factor in preventing and treating gum disease. Foods with a lot of sugar and starch should be limited and only consumed at certain times. Bread should only be eaten at mealtimes, and snacks such as potato chips should also be avoided late at night because starch stays in the mouth for a long time. Even with good brushing before bed, small amounts of starch stuck between the teeth could be feeding the bacteria that cause gingivitis. Fresh vegetables should be included in a gum-friendly diet, as should dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. 

3. Make Regular Visits to the Dentist 

All children should make regular visits to the dentist to avoid gingivitis. Dentists perform a level of cleaning that’s not possible at home. This includes the removal of tartar, which is a crusty deposit formed when plaque hardens. A pediatric dentist will remove all plaque and tartar and advise on any further steps necessary if your child has signs of gum disease. Dental cleaning twice a year is usually enough, but more may be required depending on your child’s dental health.

If your child is struggling with gingivitis, William U. Britton DDS, MAGD, provides expert general dentistry to patients of all ages in Jackson and Chillicothe, OH. With more than 35 years of experience, the doctor offers everything from emergency dentistry to root canal treatment and tooth extraction. The friendly team also has a passion for dental hygiene and are on hand for advice and treatment for gum disease. To schedule an appointment, call (740) 772-2225 or visit their website.