Preventing and Treating Gum Disease

Teaching children how to maintain a healthy smile is essential to their physical and mental wellbeing. Preventing periodontal (gum) disease in children is imperative. Dr. Yury Slepak, an American Board Certified Pediatric dentist with Brooklyn Pediatric Dentistry, recommends teaching your child about oral hygiene as soon as possible. Preventing tooth decay and preserving gum health will have an impact throughout your child’s life.

 

Proper oral hygiene is important not only to prevent cavities, but also to prevent dental problems later in life. Although young children can’t develop gum disease, they can get gingivitis, which is a precursor to full periodontal disease later in life.

 

Here are a few tips to help your child avoid gum disease:

 

• Schedule regular dental visits for your children (at least twice a year) and have your child’s teeth cleaned.
• Promote healthy, low sugar snacking.
• Use fluoride to protect your child’s teeth.
• Consider having dental sealants put on your child’s teeth. Sealants prevent bacteria from getting to your child’s tooth enamel.

 

Treatment for gum disease:

 

Early forms of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, can be easily prevented with brushing and getting proper professional cleanings. More severe cases of periodontal disease may require deep cleaning under the root of the tooth, which may require sedation or in very severe cases, restorative surgery.

 

Good oral hygiene can begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears and can help him maintain his smile for the rest of his life.