Everything You Need to Know About Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused due to inflammation of gingiva. Gingiva is the part of the gum around the base of the teeth. Redness and swelling of gums are symptoms of gingivitis in kids. If left untreated, gingivitis can aggravate and lead to periodontitis and tooth loss.

A Carlsbad pediatric dentist must be consulted immediately if you notice swollen or puffy gums in your child. Since kids aren’t mature enough to notice the signs and symptoms, parents must check their mouth regularly and make sure there aren’t any traces of plaque, tartar or unusual swelling in gums.

Symptoms and Signs

Here are a few signs of gingivitis in children which indicate that your kid needs professional medical attention from a Carlsbad pediatric dentist.

• Dark red gums

• Frequent bleeding of gums

• Bad breath

• Gums that are receding

• Tender gums

Diagnosis

A pediatric dentist Carlsbad CA examines your kid’s teeth, gum and tongue for signs of plaque build-up and inflammation. The doctor reviews the medical history of the kid to check for conditions that may be actively contributing to gingivitis. The pocket depth of the groove between the gums and the teeth is also measured.

The pocket depth helps the dentist understand whether your kid has gingivitis or not. Pocket depths are usually 1 to 3 millimeters. If it is deeper than that, it is a symptom of gingivitis. The dentist also takes X-rays of the mouth to check if there is any bone loss in areas with deeper pockets.

Treatment

Timely treatment by a pediatric dentistry in Carlsbad can prevent gingivitis from advancing into more serious gum disease. Gingivitis treatment includes the following:

1. Dental cleaning: The dentist will thoroughly clean the plaque, tartar and bacteria through a procedure called scaling and planning. Scaling gets rid of all the tartar while root planning wipes off all the bacteria caused as a result of inflammation.

2. Dental restoration: Your pediatric dentist Carlsbad CA may recommend fixing poorly fitted crowns or other dental restorations since these can cause irritation to gums and make teeth and gum cleaning difficult.

3. Oral hygiene: A professional dental cleaning gets rid of gingivitis. But that doesn’t mean your kid can go back to unhealthy habits. Your dentist will suggest daily oral hygiene habits to be followed and prepare a schedule of regular professional checkups and cleaning.

Tips to prevent gingivitis

1. Make your kids brush twice a day.

2. Floss daily.

3. Avoid sugar, candies, soft drinks and starchy foods.

4. Ask your kids to brush their teeth or rinse immediately after consuming sticky foods

5. Get professional dental cleanings every six months or as recommended by your Carlsbad pediatric dental clinic.

Also Read: How Does a Pediatric Dentist Manage Dental Anxiety In Kids?

Conclusion

Captain Floss is a Carlsbad pediatric dentistry that has deep expertise in treating pediatric dental problems like cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and thumb-sucking among others.

It provides dental treatments like sealants, filings, crowns, bonding, extractions, root canals, veneers etc. and has been in the industry for over 20 years. Schedule an appointment for a routine checkup or to cure specific oral diseases.