When people think of dental care, tactics for preventing cavities and maintaining healthy teeth often come to mind. Yet gum care is also an important element of oral wellness. Characterized by puffy, irritated, or bleeding gum tissue, gum disease can occur in children of any age. In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month this February, here are some practical tips for helping your kids keep gum disease at bay.  

3 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease in Children

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

In addition to dental care, your child’s diet can influence their likelihood of developing gum disease. Certain foods are more likely to leave bacteria behind, which can attract plaque. In particular, encourage your child to steer clear of packaged snacks and sugary foods.

Instead, serve saliva-stimulating, fibrous foods that help maintain a clean mouth, like apples, carrots, broccoli, pears, and Brussels sprouts.

2. Practice Daily Dental Care

Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are the pillars of oral health and gum disease prevention. To avoid injuring sensitive gum tissue, have your child use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Additionally, schedule dental exams every six months to remove hardened, gingivitis-causing tartar.

3. Discourage Tobacco Use

As children transition into adolescents, they may be tempted to experiment with tobacco use. But aside from the many health implications linked to smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco, these habits can also wreak havoc on your child’s dental health.

Tobacco use is directly linked to plaque, tartar, and advanced gum disease, not to mention oral cancer. Talk to your child about the importance of avoiding smoking to maintain a bright, healthy smile for life.

If you’re seeking ways to help your child maintain dental care as they grow, turn to Pedodontic Associates. With three locations on Oahu and Maui, this leading pediatric dental practice serves children from infancy to adolescence. They take a preventive approach and empower children to take control of their dental wellness from a young age. Discover more helpful tips for children on their website. Call one of their locations to set up an appointment: (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.