More than half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease at some point during their lives. This problem can affect children as well, and good oral health habits that reduce this risk of this issue should start at an early age.
Dentists emphasize that preventative care is crucial when it comes to periodontal wellness. Dr. Allie Miller, a pediatric dentist in Winter Park, FL, describes the importance of seeking prompt treatment for gum concerns in young dental patients.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Some patients experience discernible symptoms when they contract gum disease. These individuals may notice swelling, sore, or bleeding gums. Though these symptoms may occur for acute reasons, such as harsh teeth brushing techniques, you should reach out to your dentist if you have concerns about your periodontal health.
Other dental patients might not realize they have gum issues because they do not experience symptoms. This is why regular dentist appointments are so important to keeping your gums healthy. Your dentist can spot signs of gum disease and develop a treatment plan promptly.
Periodontal Therapy and Other Treatments
If a dentist diagnoses gum disease in their young patient, they will first want to thoroughly clean the patient’s teeth and gums, removing plaque build-up that may contribute to gum irritation. The dental professional may recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to help balance bacteria in the mouth and prevent the infection from spreading.
If the periodontal disease persists, they may recommend scaling and root planing, which refers to an extensive cleaning method that removes infection deep in the gum pockets. Advanced cases of gum disease might require oral surgery to eliminate damaged gum tissue.
Tips for Healthy Gums
Dentists primarily emphasize preventative care when it comes to gum health. To avoid contracting periodontal disease, you and your child should practice good oral hygiene habits. These entail brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
Another major part of good oral hygiene is visiting the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning. This can get rid of plaque and tartar that may linger in spots of your mouth difficult to reach with typical brushing habits.
Treat Bleeding Gums and More in Winter Park, FL
Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park treats bleeding gums and other dental concerns in young patients living near Winter Park, FL. Dr. Miller offers preventative dental care, limited orthodontics, emergency dentistry, and many more dental services. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 407.434.0267.