Most people often associate periodontal diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis with the much older population.  However, periodontal diseases know no age.  Anyone, young or old, can have periodontal disease.  While it is true that periodontitis and gingivitis occur mostly in adults, kids, too are also at risk of having gum infections.  As a matter of fact, kids onset or past their puberty are at huge risk of having gingivitis due to plaque buildup.  If this is not addressed immediately, it could eventually lead to periodontitis.  That is why it is never too early to start educating your kids about teeth and gum health.

The first step in educating your kids about teeth and gum health is teaching them about the importance of oral hygiene practices.  Brushing, flossing and gargling with antiseptic mouthwash are not only the most basic periodontal disease treatment, but also the most important preventive measure against tooth cavities as well as gum infection.  As plaque and tartar buildup is the number 1 cause of periodontal diseases, avoiding the accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth can reduce or eliminate the risk of getting gum infection.  Teach them the proper way of brushing and flossing their teeth and allow them to develop the habit of brushing teeth after every meal, or at least twice or thrice a day.

Kids must also know the dangers of eating too much sweet food, aside from getting the occasional sugar shock and tummy aches.  As you know, plaque is formed from the food particles and the sugars from carbohydrate and sugar rich food we eat.  Bacteria feed on plaque and leave behind acid which demineralizes the tooth enamel and cause cavities.  If the plaque is not removed right away, it solidifies into tartar and can lead to gingivitis, which will escalate to periodontitis if not addressed right away.  While it’s never easy to tell your kids to lay off the sweets, giving them healthier alternatives to snack on (like fruits as these contain natural sugars), or telling them to brush their teeth every after meal can help them enjoy snacking without worrying about tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Lastly, teach your kids the importance of visiting the dentist regularly. Dentists can determine if your kids are suffering from the early signs of periodontal disease or from dental cavities.  They can also prescribe the right medication and treatment for any infection or dental cavity.While some kids dread the day that they will be seeing the dentist again, it is still very important to let them understand why regular visits to the dentist is essential to one’s oral health.  This is to keep their teeth clean, white and strong and their gums healthy and free from painful and bothersome infection.